Swimming Coach

Sea Lanes; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 24,037 - 34,235; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted membership

Day off on birthday

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Sea Lanes is seeking a passionate Swim Coach to run swimming sessions at our Hilsea site in Portsmouth. You will engage with both new and experienced cold water swimmers, promoting health and community benefits of swimming.

This role involves providing encouraging coaching, ensuring a positive experience for all participants, and developing a welcoming swim culture. You’ll gain competitive pay and the chance to make a real impact in your community while enjoying staff perks like discounted memberships.

Qualifications

• Passionate about Open Water Swimming, health, fitness and community.
• Confident and professional coach who can lead others.
• Experience as a cold water swimmer.

Responsibilities

• Running swimming sessions and coaching new and experienced swimmers.
• Encouraging customers to see and reach their personal goals.
• Providing excellent coaching sessions for all users.

Skills

Open Water Swimming Passion

Coaching Skills

Customer Interaction

Adaptability

Education

Level 2 Swim Coach qualification

Job description

Open Water swimming is not only a passion but a way of life for so many people and we are looking for someone to help develop this by joining our growing business. We already know the health and wellbeing benefits for cold water swimming and we want you to help share this with being part of this amazing site.

Based at our Hilsea site, you’ll be running swimming sessions and coaching both new and experienced swimmers in cold water swimming as part of our programme.

Think community vibes and healthy living – our iconic lidos – Hilsea Lido and Sea Lanes – are the ultimate destinations for health, fitness, fun, and training. From sun‑soaked swims to community events and family days out, they’re places where people connect, recharge, and create lasting memories. Now, we need you to help more people discover the benefits of being part of our community and turn their visits into long‑term commitments.

What your day will look like:

Through your experience of swim coaching you will encourage existing open water swimmers to use our site and also bring on board new swimmers and along with them new passions.

Drive Customer Satisfaction

• Help Customers see and reach their own personal goals.
• Encourage and help give confidence to new swimmers.
• Ensure coaching sessions are engaging for all users.
• Show adaptability to new levels of swimmers skills and abilities.

Be the voice of South Downs Leisure

• Provide excellent coaching sessions which are planned and managed.
• Show how people can develop both their swimming skills and personal growth through open water swimming.
• Spread the health and wellbeing benefits of open water swimming.

Support the Team and Community

• Play a part in creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be their best.
• Take a proactive approach to personal development and share your own knowledge to support up‑skilling the rest of the swim teaching team.
• Share any thoughts on areas of development and growth in open water swimming.
• Build real relationships that lead to loyalty and long‑term, happy members.
• You will help grow and develop the swim programme at the site.

What We’re Looking For

Your Energy

• Passionate about Open Water Swimming, health, fitness and community.
• A confident and professional coach who can lead and motivate people to reach their individual goals.
• A natural people person who enjoys talking, connecting, and inspiring action.
• Always looking to develop personal skills and knowledge to keep up with the industry and future looking.

Your Experience

• Level 2 Swim Coach qualification In Open Water Swimming.
• Cold Water Swimmer.
• Focused and motivated to ensure customer expectations are exceeded.
• Confidence with interacting with customers in both friendly and assertive situations.

Your Approach

• Approachable, positive, and confident in your abilities.
• Resilient and able to bounce back from challenges.
• A team player who supports others.
• Independent and able to stay motivated when working alone.

What You'll Get From Us

• Hours to be agreed around the class programme.
• Full training and ongoing support.
• Competitive contractual pay at £21.15 per hour (subject to increase if applicable).
• Staff perks including:
• Super discounted membership at all South Downs Leisure sites.
• A day off on your birthday.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• A supportive and fun team who love what they do.
• The chance to make a real impact in your community by working with an award‑winning leisure Trust and more.

Our Values

We put the customer first

We create safe, inclusive, and memorable experiences for all.

Make it happen

We thrive on challenges, chase goals, and always aim higher.

Our people, our success

We grow together, supporting, celebrating, and winning as a team.

We’re Inclusive

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support your application, just let us know.

Ready to Jump In?

If you're passionate, proactive, and ready to grow our new swim coaching team, we want to hear from you.