Become an internationally qualified swimming teacher
STA Approved Training Centre | Recognised in 19+ Countries
The Swimming Teachers' Association (STA) is the world's leading swimming teacher training organisation. Founded in 1932 in the United Kingdom, STA is a registered charity with a single mission: "The preservation of human life by the teaching of swimming, lifesaving and survival techniques."
Teach in South Africa, Australia, Singapore, UAE, and 15+ other countries. STA qualifications open doors globally through IFSTA membership.
Work-ready in 5 days. No logging hours, no 6-month waiting periods. Pass your assessment and start earning immediately.
Virgin Active, Swimmattix, Pool Academy, and swim schools across SA specifically request STA-qualified teachers.
UK-developed curriculum based on 93 years of swimming education excellence. Best practices from around the world.
Work part-time, full-time, freelance, or start your own swim school. Your STA qualification is portable worldwide.
STA-qualified teachers earn R150-R350/hour. International recognition means premium rates and more opportunities.
Choosing the right qualification for your teaching career in South Africa
| Feature | STA International (What We Offer) |
Swim South Africa (SSA) |
Swim Dynamics (SDIT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration | ✓ 5 days intensive | 3 days + 6 months logging | Variable (course dependent) |
| Time to Work-Ready | ✓ Immediate after passing | 6 months minimum | After completion |
| International Recognition | ✓ 19+ IFSTA countries | ✗ South Africa only | ✗ Limited |
| Virgin Active Accepted | ✓ Preferred qualification | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Logging Requirements | ✓ None - work immediately | 20 hours with mentors | Course dependent |
| Annual CPD Points | ✓ Optional (recommended) | 12-15 points mandatory | Recommended |
| UK Teaching (if relocating) | ✓ Can upgrade to regulated | ✗ Not recognised | ✗ Not recognised |
| Teaching Abroad Opportunities | ✓ Australia, Singapore, UAE, etc. | ✗ Limited | ✗ Limited |
| Certificate Validity | ✓ Lifetime | ✓ Lifetime (with annual registration) | ✓ Lifetime |
| Course Fee | R3,450 | Varies by province | Varies by course |
Join 19,500+ STA teachers worldwide and start your international teaching career
Book Your STA CourseFrom beginner to qualified teacher
Everything included
Payment plans available
Find work within 3 months
We help you get employed
Countries recognise your certificate
Teach anywhere
The internationally recognised qualification for teaching children and adults to swim.
Unemployed or seeking your first career? This is a proven pathway to employment.
Youth Programme →Turn your love of swimming into flexible part-time income around family life.
Leave the office. Work in wellness. Make a real difference every day.
Everything you need to know about STA training with Easy2Swim
We offer the STA International course (unregulated). Here's what that means:
| STA International (What We Offer) |
UK Regulated Award/Certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | ✅ Teaching in South Africa ✅ Teaching internationally (non-UK) |
Teaching in the UK |
| Accepted by | ✅ Virgin Active SA ✅ All SA swim schools ✅ IFSTA member countries |
Same + UK employers requiring regulated credentials |
| Content quality | ✅ Same high standard | Same high standard |
| Cost | ✅ R3,450 | More expensive + UK-specific admin |
| Do you need it? | ✅ YES for South Africa | ❌ Only if working in UK long-term |
IMPORTANT: Where is STA International accepted?
Bottom line: If you're teaching in South Africa or internationally (excluding UK), the STA International course is perfect. Only get the UK-regulated version if you're specifically moving to work in the UK.
No. You need to swim 200m comfortably and feel confident in deep water, but competitive experience isn't required.
✅ Can swim lengths at your local pool? You're probably ready.
❌ Not sure? Book a free swim assessment
In South Africa, you can work at:
Internationally: Teaching opportunities in IFSTA member countries (but NOT for UK employment - UK requires regulated qualifications).
Typical rates in South Africa:
Monthly income potential:
Yes, absolutely. We provide:
Success rate: 80%+ of our graduates find employment within 3 months.
To enrol, you must:
No previous teaching experience needed.
Course fee: R3,450 (includes everything: registration, online theory, 5-day practical, assessment, certification)
Payment options:
Bundle offer: Add Lifesaving course (First Aid/CPR) for R1,550 extra (save R175)
You need First Aid/CPR to complete your qualification, but not to start the course.
Options:
Bundle deal: Book both courses together for R5,000 (save R175)
Our pass rate is 95%+ – almost everyone who completes the full course passes first time.
If you need more practice:
We want you to succeed!
The course structure:
You'd need to take 5 days leave for the practical course.
After qualifying: Swimming teaching is perfect for part-time work – teach mornings/evenings around your job (peak lesson times are before/after work hours).
Yes. This is a proven pathway from unemployment to employment.
Why it works:
Youth support (18-28):
Your STA Swimming Teacher certificate is valid for life.
What needs renewing:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) recommended but not mandatory.
Still have questions?
Contact Us
WhatsApp: 065 681 6484 | Email: training@easy2swim.co.za
Response time: Within 4 hours (Mon-Fri)
