7 Rewarding Jobs You Can Land with Aquatic Training (and How to Get Started)

If you're passionate about water, fitness, and safety, a career in aquatics might be just what you’re looking for. The right training can open the door to exciting and rewarding job opportunities, from teaching kids how to swim to managing aquatic facilities. Active Training offers a range of courses designed to give you the certifications and skills needed to dive into these roles.

Here’s a breakdown of 7 fantastic jobs you can land after completing Active Training’s aquatics courses.

1. Swimming and Water Safety Instructor

Swimming and water safety instructors teach people of all ages to swim while emphasising critical water safety skills. This job is all about helping others gain confidence in the water and fostering a love for swimming.

Swimming instructors are in high demand across Australia, with critical shortages right across the country as reported on 7News.

Required Course: Complete Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation offered by Active Training. This course equips you with the skills to design and deliver engaging swim lessons. Students will have 12 to 18-months to complete the theory and practical elements of the course, with 6-month extensions available when required. The Cert III also provides career pathways to work as a pool lifeguard or aquatic fitness instructor.

2. Pool Lifeguard

Lifeguards oversee the safety of swimmers, ensuring pool rules are followed and responding to emergencies. It’s a vital role for maintaining safety in aquatic environments. 

Required Course: The Perform Water Rescues course from Active Training is your ticket to becoming a certified lifeguard. You’ll learn rescue techniques, first aid, and handling emergencies. Students have 3 months to complete all aspects of the qualification, including theory and practical assessments. The course is nationally recognised and meets all AQTF requirements, and students can complete the course at 16 years of age.

3. Pool Plant Operator

Pool plant operators manage and maintain pool systems, including water filtration, heating, and chemical dosing to ensure the water meets safety and health standards. Councils, private aquatic facilities, and hotels with pools often hire pool plant operators to help with maintenance.

Required Course: The Pool Plant Operator – Online course teaches you how to manage pool equipment and maintain water quality, giving you the technical expertise to excel in this role. Students have 6-months to complete the nationally recognised course. The theory components can be completed online, however, practical tasks require access to a Plant Room, and video evidence is required. Active Training also offers the Test Pool Water Quality course for those who just want the skills and knowledge required to conduct pool water tests and record test results.

4. Infant and Toddler Swimming Instructor

Specialised swimming instructors teach infants and toddlers water safety and basic swimming skills. This role requires patience and a knack for working with young children. Swim schools and aquatic centres often look for instructors trained in early childhood swim education to help with running specialised programs.

Required Course: Enrol in the Infant and Toddlers - Extension Course to gain the skills necessary for this rewarding niche. Students must have first completed the Swimming and Water Safety Instructor course offered by Active Training to enrol. This course provides an automatic three year extension to the Active Training Swimming and Water Safety Instructor qualification.

5. Aquatic Fitness Instructor

Aquatic fitness instructors lead water-based fitness classes like aqua aerobics. These classes help participants improve their health using water’s natural resistance. Gyms, community centres, and leisure facilities with pool areas often hire aquatic fitness instructors to run classes for their members.

Required Course: The Aquatic Fitness Instructor Certificate offered by Active Training provides the foundation to lead engaging and safe water fitness sessions. This qualification also provides career pathways to work as a Swimming Instructor or Pool Lifeguard.

6. Aquatic Facility Manager

Aquatic facility managers oversee daily operations at aquatic centres, including staff management, maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Councils, private aquatic centres, and large leisure facilities are the primary employers for this role.

Required Course: For those aspiring to become aquatic facility managers, it is recommended that they take a combination of the courses provided by Active Training. These include the Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation, the Pool Plant Operator—Online course, and the Test Pool Water Quality course.

7. Aquatic Educator

Aquatic educators provide training on water safety, rescue techniques, and other aquatic topics. They often work with schools, community organisations, or industry professionals. Organisations like Royal Life Saving Society and local councils frequently hire aquatic educators.

Required Course: Complete the Swimming and Water Safety Instructor course to gain the credentials necessary to educate others in water safety and rescue practices. Students have 6 months in which to complete all aspects of the course - theory and practical.

Why Choose Active Training?

Active Training’s courses are designed to provide industry-recognised certifications and hands-on experience. With flexible learning options and expert instructors, you’ll be well-prepared to start your career in aquatics.

Ready to dive in? Visit the Aquatics Page to learn more about these courses and take the first step towards an exciting career.