About FirstSwim
FirstSwim™ is a new instructor development and licensing program designed for those passionate about teaching infants and toddlers vital water skills. Powered by the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI), FirstSwim merges the science of early childhood growth with proven survival swim techniques that help children—ages 1 to 4—become confident, capable, and water-safe. Join a growing network of dedicated professionals committed to preventing drowning and creating safer, brighter futures through aquatic education.
As part of the Starfish Aquatics Institute family, licensed FirstSwim Instructors benefit from internationally recognized standards of quality, child protection policies, and continual research-based program updates. Our shared mission: to make every swim lesson both trauma-free and transformative.
Why Choose FirstSwim?
FirstSwim™ is more than a certification—it's a movement toward safer swim instruction based on child-centered learning, gentle progression, and developmental play. Our program stands apart because it:
- Blends developmental psychology with practical survival swim methods.
- Offers a structured yet flexible 100-hour instructor training pathway.
- Includes mentorship and quality oversight by aquatic education experts.
- Provides a licensing opportunity to teach the FirstSwim curriculum and operate your own business.
- Is proudly powered by the Starfish Aquatics Institute, bringing globally recognized safety and instructional standards to every lesson.
The Instructor Pathway
1. Online Self-Study (30 Hours)
Dive into a series of five interactive online courses covering:
- The Benefits of Early Water Immersion: How physical, intellectual, and social development equips infants and toddlers to learn self-rescue skills.
- Child-Centered Survival Swim Instruction: Teaching methods rooted in empathy, developmental readiness, and purposeful play.
- Aquatic Risk Management and Safety: Legal, operational, and safety frameworks for managing lessons and facilities.
- Survival Swim Skills: Practical instruction in positions, holds, submersion, buoyancy, rolling, propulsion, and self-rescue sequences.
- Lesson Planning and Parent Interaction: Scheduling, communicating with parents, and addressing developmental or behavioral challenges.
Each lesson includes reflective assignments, case studies, and video analysis for real-world application.
2. In-Water Practicum (60 Hours)
Experience hands-on training under the mentorship of experienced FirstSwim Faculty. Candidates lead survival swim lessons in supervised teaching sessions, focusing on refinement, confidence, and consistency.
Flexible scheduling allows instructors to complete the practicum in various formats, including an accelerated “FastTrack” 2-week apprenticeship immersion.
3. Assessment and Credentialing (10 Hours)
Following your practicum, you will complete:
- Exit Interview and reflection with SAI-appointed evaluators
- Written Exam (100 questions) assessing course comprehension
- Final Credentialing and Onboarding, granting you official recognition as a Licensed FirstSwim Instructor
Ongoing CEUs and teaching evaluations ensure continued quality, safety, and growth within the FirstSwim community.
The Business Opportunity
Becoming a licensed FirstSwim™ Instructor means more than earning a credential—it opens the door to owning your own program.
With the included Business Fundamentals Course, instructors gain practical skills in:
- Swim school management and facility operations
- Marketing, branding, and customer engagement
- Legal and safety compliance for aquatic programs
- Business planning and financial sustainability
Whether you teach independently or grow into a multi-instructor program, FirstSwim provides the training, guidance, and brand support to help you succeed.
Join the FirstSwim Community
FirstSwim™ is ideal for:
- Experienced swim professionals seeking advanced training
- Educators and childcare specialists wanting to expand their impact
- Entrepreneurs ready to launch a child-focused aquatic business
Every lesson taught contributes to a world with fewer drownings and more confident, capable young swimmers. When you become a FirstSwim instructor, you join a mission-led community—supported by SAI—to bring safety, joy, and empowerment to families worldwide.
Ready to take the plunge?
Start your journey today.
Enroll in the FirstSwim Instructor Training Program and begin changing lives—one splash at a time.
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