Swim Teaching Qualifications - First Aid and RLSS Courses
Is it time for a career change or a new challenge? Have you considered a career in sports teaching/coaching?We run a wide range of teaching, coaching, lifeguard, first aid and professional qualification courses. All are taught by highly skilled and motivated tutors.
Coaching/Teaching Courses
There’s something magical about a good teacher. A person who can transform adults and children into swimmers or divers. Edinburgh Leisure run a series of professional qualification courses for those looking to become aquatics based coaches or for those who wish to further develop their careers as a coach.

Swim/Dive Teaching
Whether you are looking to become a qualified swim teacher or dive coach, or develop your skills and knowledge, we have a range of accredited courses on offer.

First Aid Courses
All of our First Aid courses are accredited by Ofqual and presented in association with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), which ensures your qualification is recognised nationwide.

RLSS Courses
Are you interested in a job as a lifeguard? Or want to learn lifesaving skills? We hold regular Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) courses around Edinburgh.
Introduction to Swim Teaching
This workshop will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain skills, confidence and experience, and it is a great way to expand your career options. It is designed to give you insight into the roles and responsibilities of a swimming teacher, and upon completion we can help you find volunteering opportunities, working alongside our skilled swim teachers, to continue to increase your experience and knowledge.
What you need to know:
- This is a 2 day workshop which will cover practical learning on poolside, as well as classroom learning.
- It costs £100.
- The minimum age to take part is 14 years.
- You do not need any prior experience or qualifications to sign up.
Swimming Teaching Development Courses
Our Development Courses have been carefully designed to further develop your skills and knowledge in a range of key areas.
- Additional Support Needs Swim Teachers Course
- Advanced Swim Teachers Course
- Developing Aquatics Programmes Course
- Lead Teacher Course


Swimming Teaching/Coaching Qualifications
Would you like to make a difference to peoples’ lives by helping them to learn to swim?
Whether you are looking to become a swim teacher or progress your coaching career we have a variety of swim education courses to suit you, including:
- Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (Full and Conversion courses available)
- UKCC Level 1 Coaching Swimming
- UKCC Level 2 Coaching Swimming
- Early Childhood Swim Teacher's Qualification (SVQ)
These courses are run by Edinburgh Leisure but are booked through the Scottish Swimming website.
Follow the link below to the 'Aquatics Teacher Training' courses to see when these courses are on and how to book a space. Please note you will not be able to book a course in the two weeks prior to its start date.
Diving Teaching/Coaching Qualifications
We offer professional qualification courses to help you get started as a dive coach or to help you further develop your skills.
- UKCC Level 1 Coaching Diving
- UKCC Level 2 Coaching Diving
Both courses are aimed at giving you the skills to coach in a competitive diving environment. The courses are open to those from age 16 (Level 1) and 17 (Level 2).
These courses are run by Edinburgh Leisure but are booked through the Scottish Swimming website.
Follow the link below to the 'Aquatics Teacher Training' courses to see when these courses are on and how to book a space. Please note you will not be able to book a course in the two weeks prior to its start date.

Before you book your course with Scottish Swimming
Our Swim or Dive Teaching/Qualification courses must be booked via the Scottish Swimming website. In order to book a course you must be a Scottish Swimming member. If you do not currently have a membership with Scottish Swimming please follow this link to visit the Scottish Swimming website to become a member.
RLSS Courses
Lifeguard Qualifications
Are you interested in a job as a lifeguard? Or want to learn lifesaving skills?
We hold regular Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) courses around Edinburgh:
- RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
- RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers/Coaches (Options for Lite or renewal courses available)
- RLSS UK Trainer Assessor Course
Follow the links below to see our full programme of dates and locations and to book online.

RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (full course or renewal)
RLSS UK Trainer Assessor course

First Aid Courses
All of our First Aid courses are accredited by Ofqual and presented in association with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), which ensures your qualification is recognised nationwide. We offer variety of First Aid courses including:
- RLSS Emergency First Aid at Work (3 day courses, Refreshers, and 1 day courses available)
- RLSS UK Paediatric First Aid (1 or 2 day courses available)
Click on the button below to see our full programme of courses dates and locations.
Follow the link below to see our full programme of dates and locations and to book online.
In-House Training Delivery
We are also able to offer in-house delivery of any of our training courses listed above.
For more information or to make an enquiry please contact ata@edinburghleisure.co.uk