Finding the Right Leadership for Your Swim School

Swim schools are built on passion - passion for swimming, child development and safety. But when it comes to leadership roles, whether we call them Swim School Managers, Coordinators, or Programme Leads—are we setting them up for success?

Too often, I see incredible teachers promoted into these roles simply because it seems like the ‘right next step’. The reality? That decision can lead to wasted hours, frustrated teams, and a struggling business. Not every great teacher is meant to be a manager. And not every manager needs to be a swim expert.

So, what does the right person for this role look like? 

Beyond the pool, the skill set needed for a great Swim School Manager

A successful swim school leader isn’t just about swimming knowledge, it’s about the bigger picture. Here’s what really makes someone the right fit:

✅ A Passion for Child Development – Understanding how children learn, progress, and stay engaged is key. It’s not just about swimming; it’s about growth.

✅ Commercial Awareness – Swim schools are businesses. Growing memberships, managing costs, and creating sustainable programs require a business-minded approach.

✅ Leadership & Management – Can they inspire a team? Can they make tough decisions? Can they delegate, communicate, and hold people accountable?

✅ Thinking Outside the Box – Swim schools thrive on innovation. Whether it’s new lesson structures, retention strategies, or operational efficiencies, the ability to challenge the norm is essential.

✅ Health & Safety Expertise – Following procedures isn’t optional. A great leader respects safety regulations but also finds ways to make them work without stifling creativity.

Now, let’s be real—a passionate, commercial minded leader with the confidence and skillset to challenge the norm and lead innovation is not just created overnight. So, instead of forcing a teacher into a management role they may not be suited for, let's think smarter.

Making It Work for YOUR Swim School

Not every swim school needs a full-time manager. Not every leader needs to tick every box alone. Instead of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, let’s create a triangle—a structure that balances skills across multiple roles.

Here’s how:

🔹 Identify the gaps – What does your swim school actually need? More structure? More growth? Better staff management?

🔹 Share the load – Instead of one person doing everything, can you distribute responsibilities across your leadership team?

🔹 Hire strategically – Don’t just promote a teacher because they’re great in the water. Look for leadership potential, business sense, and strategic thinking.

🔹 Invest in the right support – Whether it’s training, mentoring, or external expertise, give your leadership team the tools to succeed.

Let’s Elevate Together…

I’ve worked at every level in swim schools—from hands-on teaching to board-level strategy. I have worked with large leisure operated swim schools to smaller independents. I know what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a team that makes your swim school thrive.

So, before you push someone into a role they’re not ready for, let’s talk. Let’s build a plan without hiring full-time, without losing great teachers to burnout, and without forcing the wrong fit.

Your swim school’s success depends on getting the right people in the right places. Ready to make it happen?

Get In Touch