Please note it is possible to come for more than a 2 week trip and most will come between a 4 and 8 week duration.
Swimming in St. Lucia
St. Lucia is an island surrounded by incredible sandy beaches and clear blue seas. However, many of its inhabitants can not swim and drownings among children are not uncommon. There is a particular need for swim lessons within the island’s poorest communities where many children do not learn the technique.
Your Swimming Teaching Volunteer Placement
During your placement you will teach beginner and intermediate swim lessons in pools and beaches to children aged between 6 and 14 using our tried and tested methods. Although there are opportunities to coach competition level swimmers within your placement, the main focus is on teaching beginners from deprived communities techniques to stay safe in pools and on the beach.
Our swimming project aims to equip as many children as possible with the capability to swim and be safe on the beach, whilst encouraging children to hone their newly acquired skills and continue the sport by joining their local swimming team.
We also run some pre-school ‘Learn to Swim’ sessions for younger children too.
Your Swimming Coaching Role
You will work alongside our qualified staff. This will enable you to develop your own confidence and build relationships with the children. From here, you will continue to assist the swimming instructors but also have the opportunity to take your own swimming coaching sessions. As you determine the abilities and potential of individual swimmers, you can introduce your own swimming coaching ideas and even offer some one-to-one coaching tuition. However, the qualified local staff will always be in attendance to oversee the coaching sessions. Whether you end up coaching within the club setting or taking newcomers to the beach for the first time, your contribution to young St. Lucian’s development will live on long after you return home.
Please note that the swimming teaching placement takes place in outdoor pools and beaches and hence can be affected by occasional bad weather. On average one day, every 2-4 weeks (possibly more in rainy season August & September). If a swimming coaching session is cancelled, you are welcome to join other sports coaching placements in the area or simply use the free time for personal relaxation.
CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is advised that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details).
Gap Year or Career Break Swimming Teaching Placement in St Lucia
Teaching swimming to underprivileged children in St. Lucia not only gives you a unique sports abroad opportunity, it gives you the chance to help children stay safe in the swimming pool and on the beach. Working as a gap year or career break sports coach on this volunteer swimming project really is a fantastic sports experience abroad and you will make friends for life.