Sports Coach: Swimming and Aquatics Specialisation

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Rosebank; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Johannesburg is seeking a dedicated Sports Coach with a specialization in Swimming and Aquatics. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of coaching experience, a recognized qualification in swimming, and a commitment to student welfare. This role involves coaching various sports, providing logistics support during events, and participating in the school’s sporting community. Applications are invited only from South African citizens or those with a valid work permit.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years experience as a Sports Coach.
• A recognised coaching qualification in swimming and aquatics.
• SACE registration is required.

Responsibilities

• Coach and manage sports teams, planning and delivering training sessions.
• Demonstrate technical knowledge in swimming and aquatics.
• Lead coaching of swimming during summer seasons and oversee competitions.

Skills

Coaching

Team management

Water safety education

Adaptability

Communication

Education

Diploma or Advanced Certificate in Sports, Physical Education

Tools

Aquatic training equipment

Job description

Sports Coach: Swimming and Aquatics Specialisation

SWIMMING AND AQUATICS SPECIALISATION FIXED TERM

2026

St John’s College is a world-class Anglican School situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. St John’s Preparatory forms part of St John’s College and caters to students from Grades 3 to 7. The school has an outstanding record in preparing students for College and offers an excellent academic curriculum which is enriched with music, art, drama, sport and technology.

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Sports Coach with a specialisation in Swimming and Aquatics, based primarily in the Preparatory School, with support responsibilities in the Pre-Preparatory School to join our School’s sports department, where the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing young students. Working closely with the Director of Sport, the successful candidate will lead PE lessons and coach a variety of sports, ensuring all students receive top-tier coaching and the chance to excel in competitive fixtures.

The ideal candidate will be an integral part of our sporting community, with availability required during School sports events, including weekends, half-terms, and some holiday tours. This is an exciting opportunity to inspire and challenge talented students to achieve their full potential in sports.

Main Responsibilities

• Coach and manage one or more sports teams each term, including planning and delivering age-appropriate, progressive training sessions and supervising students at home and away fixtures
• Demonstrate sound technical knowledge in swimming and aquatics, as well as familiarity with other sports offered at St John’s Preparatory School, with the ability to model fundamental skills and communicate effective techniques and strategies
• Lead the coaching of swimming and aquatics during the summer seasons, including weekly training sessions, School fixtures, and gala events
• Deliver age- and stage-appropriate swimming instruction and water safety education in line with the School’s long-term athlete development framework
• Support selected physical education and aquatic lessons in the Pre-Preparatory School, working with younger students (ages 5–8)
• Apply long-term athlete development principles to structure appropriate activities, experiences, and competition formats for students aged 8 to 14
• Officiate matches and promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive participation
• Collaborate with fellow coaches in planning and delivering effective training sessions
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the Director of Sport and Events Manager for major events such as open days, parent-teacher meetings, and sports festivals
• Assist with the organisation and running of inter-house sports events and seasonal fixtures.
• Supervise and coach during sports tours, outdoor trips, or camps during term time and, where required, over some holiday or half-term periods
• Participate in preseason and holiday sports clinics as scheduled
• Support occasional informal School duties such as attending meetings or acting as an exam invigilator

Requirements

• Diploma or Advanced Certificate in Sports, Physical Education or a related field
• Three (3) years experience as a Sports Coach
• A recognised coaching qualification in swimming and aquatics
• SACE registration

Behavioural Success Factors

• Adaptability and resilience: Demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing needs and priorities and maintaining a calm and solutions-focused approach under pressure
• Collegiality and collaboration: Build strong and respectful relationships with colleagues across the School; contribute positively to a team-oriented culture and shared goals
• Communication and interpersonal effectiveness: Communicate clearly, confidently, and appropriately in diverse contexts; actively engage with students, staff and parents.
• Planning and time management: Approach work methodically and efficiently, balancing multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines with care and precision
• Student-centred approach: Prioritise student development by creating an inclusive, supportive, and stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking
• Child welfare commitment: Strong dedication to the welfare and wellbeing of children, with knowledge of Safeguarding principles and in line with St John’s College’s Legacy of Care

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the School.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa, and all staff perform duties in accordance with our School’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application

St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.

Closing Date

22/08/2025

Houghton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa