How to Become an ISR Instructor

How to Become an ISR Instructor

Are you interested in becoming an ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) instructor? Teaching survival swimming skills to infants and young children can be a rewarding and meaningful career, as you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of families in your community. However, becoming an ISR instructor requires a significant amount of training and dedication. In this blog post, we will outline the steps you can take to become an ISR instructor and provide tips on how to succeed in this role.

First, it’s important to understand what ISR is and the benefits of survival swimming lessons for infants and young children. ISR is a method of teaching survival swimming skills to infants and young children using a systematic and research-based approach. The goal of ISR is to teach children as young as six months old the skills they need to survive if they find themselves in a water emergency. This includes floating on their back, rolling over and swimming to safety, and self-rescuing.

There are several benefits to teaching survival swimming skills to infants and young children. First and foremost, survival swimming lessons can save lives. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five, and survival swimming skills can give children the confidence and ability to escape from a water emergency and get to safety. Additionally, survival swimming lessons can improve a child’s overall physical fitness, coordination, and confidence in the water.

Now that you understand the importance of ISR and the benefits of survival swimming lessons for infants and young children, let’s dive into the steps you can take to become an ISR instructor.

1. Research the ISR program and instructor requirements. The first step to becoming an ISR instructor is to research the ISR program and understand the requirements to become an instructor. This includes the minimum age, education, and experience requirements, as well as any physical or medical conditions that may disqualify you from becoming an instructor. It’s also a good idea to research the ISR instructor training program and understand what is involved in the training process.
2. Complete the ISR instructor application process. Once you have determined that you meet the requirements to become an ISR instructor, you will need to complete the instructor application process. This typically involves filling out an online application and providing documentation such as a resume, proof of age, education, and any relevant experience or certifications. You may also be required to submit to a background check.
3. Attend the ISR instructor training program. If your application is accepted, you will be invited to attend the ISR instructor training program. This program is typically held over the course of several days and includes both classroom and in-water training. During the training program, you will learn the ISR methodology and techniques for teaching survival swimming skills to infants and young children. You will also have the opportunity to practice your skills under the supervision of experienced ISR instructors.
4. Pass the ISR instructor certification exam. Upon completion of the instructor training program, you will be required to pass a certification exam to become an ISR instructor. This exam will test your knowledge of the ISR methodology and your ability to demonstrate the correct techniques for teaching survival swimming skills to infants and young children.
5. Obtain liability insurance and register with ISR. Once you have passed the certification exam and become an ISR instructor, you will need to obtain liability insurance and register with ISR. This will typically involve filling out additional paperwork and paying any required fees.

Find a job or start your own business. Once you are an ISR instructor, you will need to find a job or start your own business teaching survival swimming lessons to infants and young children. You can look for job opportunities at swim schools or recreational centers that offer ISR lessons, or you can start your own business by promoting your services and building a client base.

To succeed as an ISR instructor, it’s important to have a strong understanding of the ISR methodology and techniques, as well as excellent communication and instructional skills. You should also be patient, understanding, and able to adapt your teaching style to meet the needs of each individual student.

In addition to teaching survival swimming skills, it’s important for ISR instructors to prioritize safety and follow proper protocols at all times. This includes maintaining a safe and clean pool environment, adhering to all safety regulations, and being vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential risks or hazards.

As an ISR instructor, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of families in your community by teaching valuable survival swimming skills to infants and young children. By following the steps outlined above and putting in the necessary time and effort, you can become an ISR instructor and succeed in this rewarding and meaningful career.