Bringing Swimming Instruction Back from the Brink: How We Make the Profession Irresistible Again

The long waiting lists for swimming lessons are a growing problem in the Netherlands. In some regions, children and adults have to wait months, or even more than a year, before they can start. This isn't just a challenge for parents and learners, but also for swimming schools and instructors trying to keep pace with rising demand. How did we get here, and what can we do together — as employers, employees and policymakers — to make swimming instruction future-proof and appealing?

A combination of factors

There isn't one single cause behind the long waiting lists, but rather a convergence of several factors. Let's not immediately point the finger at Covid — the waiting lists existed before that too. It certainly didn't help matters, let's put it that way. The demand for swimming lessons has always been there, and in recent years it has grown across a broader group. Not only children, but increasingly adults too are realising just how important it is to be able to swim. At the same time, finding enough qualified staff is a challenge, and the availability of pool water is limited.

For swimming clubs and private swimming schools, there's the added issue that the number of volunteers and instructors is declining. This means fewer groups can start at the same time, and waiting times stretch out. As a result, more pressure falls on existing staff, and it becomes harder to maintain a healthy work-life balance. On top of that, society has changed so much that people's wishes and requirements when looking for a new job don't naturally point them towards swimming instruction. Setting aside the fact that it's a wonderful profession, it isn't an office job, it isn't nine to five, and you spend a good part of the day on your feet — whether that's in or out of the water.

The value of swimming instruction

People sometimes say the profession of swimming instructor isn't attractive enough. Criticisms such as the workload and the responsibilities are often highlighted. But there's another side to it: swimming instruction is a profession in which you contribute every day to the safety and development of children and adults. You teach them a lifelong skill, and the work is dynamic and rewarding. Working with children and groups brings a unique energy that few professions outside of education can offer.

How do we make the profession more appealing?

Both employers and employees can contribute to solutions that make swimming instruction future-proof. Here are a few ideas:

Better insight into the profession: Giving more visibility to the rewarding sides of swimming instruction can help attract new people. Let instructors tell their own stories about why they find their work so worthwhile, and make sure those stories get shared.

Working together towards a swim-safe Netherlands

The demand for swimming lessons will keep growing, and swimming instruction is a profession that cannot be replaced by technology or automation. So it's essential that we work together on sustainable solutions. By positioning swimming instruction as a valuable and appealing profession, we can ensure the Netherlands stays swim-safe and that waiting times gradually come down.

Curious whether being a swimming instructor might be something for you? Ask if you can shadow someone for a day and experience for yourself how varied and rewarding this work can be! Employers: think beyond traditional recruitment methods and create a working environment in which swimming instructors feel valued and supported. Make it possible to do a day of "taster work experience" and encourage the option of taking on this role alongside other work. Together, we can make sure that everyone who wants to learn to swim actually gets that chance.