Switching Swimming Teachers in Ireland

When to move on and how to do it without drama

🚩 Warning Signs 🤝 Smooth Transitions 🔍 Finding Better Fit

You've been with the same swimming instructor for months, but something isn't right. Maybe your child isn't progressing, maybe they're not enjoying lessons anymore, or maybe you've simply outgrown what that instructor can offer. You want to make a change, but you're not sure how to go about it without creating awkwardness.

Switching swimming teachers is more common than you might think, and when done thoughtfully, it's usually beneficial for everyone involved. Here's how to know when it's time and how to make the change smoothly.

Clear Signs It's Time to Switch

1. No Measurable Progress After 3+ Months

What This Looks Like:

• Your child can't do anything new since starting
• Swimming the same distance as 3 months ago
• No improvement in technique or confidence
• Still needs same level of support
• Instructor can't explain specific progress made

Important Note:

Some children learn slowly, and that's normal. But zero progress over several months usually indicates a teaching approach that isn't working for your child.

2. Your Child Is Consistently Unhappy or Anxious

Red Flag Behaviours:

• Dreads going to lessons
• Becomes more anxious about water after lessons
• Says they don't like the teacher
• Comes out of lessons upset regularly
• Has lost confidence since starting with this instructor

"A good swimming instructor should make your child feel more confident about water, not less. If the opposite is happening, it's time for a change."

3. Poor Teaching Practices

Warning Signs:

• Always late or frequently cancels
• Doesn't give individual feedback
• Uses phone during lessons
• Seems impatient with slower learners
• No clear structure to lessons
• Doesn't adapt teaching to different children

Safety Concerns:

• Leaves children unattended
• Forces children beyond their comfort zone
• Doesn't watch all children in group
• Doesn't seem alert or focused
• No clear emergency procedures

4. Communication Problems

Good swimming instructors should be able to communicate clearly with both children and parents about progress, goals, and any concerns.

Problems to Watch For:

• Doesn't respond to questions about progress
• Dismisses your concerns about your child
• Can't explain their teaching methods
• Defensive when you ask for updates
• No feedback after several weeks of lessons

5. You've Outgrown What They Offer

Sometimes there's nothing wrong with the instructor - your child has simply progressed beyond what they can offer, or your needs have changed.

Valid Reasons to Move On:

• Child needs more advanced technique coaching
• Want to focus on competitive swimming
• Need lessons at different times/locations
• Child wants to learn specific strokes instructor doesn't teach
• Family circumstances have changed

Before You Make the Switch: Try These First

Give Communication One More Chance:

Address specific concerns directly

"I'm concerned that Emma hasn't made much progress in the last two months. Can you help me understand what she's working on and what I should expect?"

Ask for specific goals and timelines

"What should Jack be able to do by Christmas? What are we working towards?"

Request teaching approach adjustment

"Sophie learns better with more demonstration and less talking. Could you try showing her more and explaining less?"

Give it 2-3 more lessons

If they're receptive and make changes, see if things improve. If not, you've given them a fair chance.

How to Make the Switch Professionally

Switching Private Instructors

Step 1: Give Appropriate Notice

Give at least one week's notice, preferably two if you've been with them for several months.

"Hi Sarah, I wanted to let you know that Emma will finish up with lessons after next week. We've really appreciated your time with her."

Step 2: Keep It Simple and Positive

You don't need to explain in detail why you're switching. Simple, honest reasons work best.

Good reasons to give:

• "We're taking a break from lessons for a while"
• "We need lessons at different times"
• "Emma wants to try group lessons instead"
• "We're switching to a pool closer to home"

Step 3: Handle Payment Cleanly

• Pay for all lessons received promptly
• Don't request refunds unless there are genuine service issues
• Clear up any outstanding payments before your last lesson

Switching Within or Away From Swim Schools

Changing Instructors Within the Same School:

• Speak to the manager/coordinator first
• Explain you'd like to try a different instructor
• Ask about other instructors who might be a better fit
• Most good swim schools will accommodate this request

Leaving the Swim School Entirely:

• Check their notice policy (usually 1-2 weeks)
• Give notice in writing (email is fine)
• Be clear about your last lesson date
• Ask for any progress reports or certificates

Sample Email:

"Hi [Manager name], I'm writing to give notice that [Child's name] will be finishing lessons with you after [date]. Please let me know if you need anything from us to complete the process. Thanks for all your work with [child's name]."

Finding Your Next (Better) Instructor

Learn From What Didn't Work:

Before you start looking, be clear about what you want to be different. This helps you ask the right questions and avoid the same problems.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What specifically wasn't working with the previous instructor?
• What does your child need most - confidence building, technique work, fun?
• What teaching style works best for your child?
• What practical requirements do you have (location, time, cost)?

Questions to Ask Potential New Instructors

About Their Teaching:

• "How do you handle children who are anxious in water?"
• "What's your typical lesson structure?"
• "How do you track and communicate progress?"
• "How do you adapt your teaching for different learning styles?"

About Practical Matters:

• "What's your cancellation policy?"
• "How often do you provide progress updates?"
• "What qualifications and experience do you have?"
• "Can I observe a lesson before committing?"

Red Flags to Avoid Second Time Around

• Can't give you references from other parents
• Vague about their teaching methods or experience
• Promises unrealistic results ("swimming in 2 weeks!")
• Won't let you observe lessons
• Insists on long-term commitments upfront
• Dismissive of your child's specific needs or concerns
• Significantly cheaper than everyone else (usually there's a reason)

Making the Transition Smooth for Your Child

Explain the change positively

"We're going to try lessons with a new teacher who I think will help you learn even better." Avoid criticizing the previous instructor to your child.

Let them meet the new instructor first

If possible, arrange a brief meeting or observe another lesson before their first session.

Share relevant information

Tell the new instructor about your child's current abilities, any fears or concerns, and what works well for them.

Give it time

Allow 3-4 lessons for your child to adjust to the new instructor's style. Don't expect immediate dramatic changes.

Keep communication open

Check in with both your child and the new instructor regularly to make sure things are going well.

When NOT to Switch (Patience Required)

Sometimes the Problem Isn't the Instructor:

Your child is just having a difficult phase

Children go through periods of resistance or lack of progress that aren't related to teaching quality. If your child was happy and progressing before, it might just be a temporary setback.

You've only been with them a few lessons

Give new instructors at least 6-8 lessons to establish rapport and show their teaching approach. Some excellent instructors start slowly while they assess what your child needs.

The issue is external to lessons

If your child is going through other changes (new school, family stress, etc.), their swimming attitude might be affected temporarily regardless of the instructor.

You're instructor-shopping too frequently

If you've switched instructors multiple times in a short period, the problem might be unrealistic expectations rather than poor teaching.

The Bottom Line

Switching swimming instructors when there's a genuine mismatch is completely normal and often beneficial. The key is doing it thoughtfully and professionally, learning from what didn't work, and finding someone who's a better fit for your child's needs.

Don't feel guilty about making a change if it's not working. Your child's progress, safety, and confidence in the water are more important than avoiding a potentially awkward conversation.

When you find the right instructor match, you'll know it - your child will be happier, more confident, and making steady progress. That's worth the effort of finding the right fit.