What is a WSI?
I always get the question, “Should your swim instructor have a WSI? Well what is a WSI? A WSI is short for water safety instructor.
Water Safety Instructor certification focuses on preparing candidates to teach the Red Cross Swim programs, it teaches candidates to introduce & develop fitness activities, skills & water safety & swimming skills in several Red Cross programs.
Can a swim instructor still teach without one?
Why yes of course! A WSI does not make you a good instructor, nor does obtaining one make you one either. It is an instruction book for others to teach or instruct others on how to swim.
A WSI may be required if you are working at a facility. Whether it be the YMCA, community pool, etc. Although depending on what pool you are working at they may also require you to attend their training’s and sessions, and it may be required of you if you will be associated with a well-known swimming organization.
Certifications are available, but it is up to the facility whether or not they are required.
Now contrary to popular belief, to be able to teach someone how to swim, you must know how to swim yourself.
You must be able to deliver basic instruction. In time the instructor will develop a personal technique, a technique that works for many.
They are open minded and know that not every person learns the same, so they should be able to accommodate different learning styles. Visual & audible for example. And know that learning a life skill in the water may take longer for each individual.
So should you pick a swim instructor with a WSI?
Well the answer will come with your preference. If you’d like your swim instructor to come prepped with a cookie cutter lesson plan, that does not necessarily cater to you, but everyone, or a swim instructor with many years experience of teaching in the water and adjusts technique, identifies safety skills, and is connected with you/your child/or whomever is being instructed.
Then it is not required, but if it is your preference and important to you then there is nothing wrong with seeking instructors that have them. You may just find them at community pools or swim schools.