A nurse of almost 30 years switched careers to become a swim teacher.

Wenda Crawford decided it was time to change her career path and joined East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's swim teacher training course sessions after 27 years of working in hospitals.

To meet the high demand for children's swimming lessons in the area, the organisation is launching a new course, Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification (SSTQ), in partnership with Scottish Swimming, for aspiring swim teachers. 

The course, which starts on June 5, combines online training with practical learning.

Candidates will get the chance to shadow qualified teachers and support children during East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's Learn to Swim lessons. 

Wenda said: "I used to swim competitively as a child and have always been a swimmer - I taught my own kids to swim and do lots of open water and pool swimming. 

"I want to see the next generation swimming, pass on skills and teach them how to be safe in the water." 

The course will be led by Danielle Brayson who was awarded the UK Coaching Performance Development Coach of the Year in 2019, is head coach of the City of Glasgow swim team and has worked with Commonwealth Games medallists. 

Barrhead News: Ruari Laskey completed the swim teacher training course in February

Danielle said: "Over the last four years of running our SSTQ course, we've welcomed participants of all different ages, abilities and backgrounds, from non-swimmers to club swimmers. 

"Our vocational course allows participants to work alongside qualified ERCL swim teachers and they gain experience working with children in the pool from day one, preparing lesson plans to develop the four strokes and teach water safety. 

"The SSTQ qualification is the equivalent of an advanced Higher (SCQF Level 7) and counts towards university applications, too.

"It's fantastic to see our participants developing their confidence and skills throughout the course and working towards becoming fully qualified swim teachers, before progressing to paid employment."

Ruari Laskey completed the swim teacher training course in February.

He has travelled all over the country competing in triathlons. 

He said: "I wanted to support kids learning how to swim, so they have the opportunity to have the same experiences as I've had.

"I'm more confident now and it's been a great experience.

"Everyone is friendly and you get to see the kids' progress, from being able to barely float at first into really confident swimmers."

Robert Hammond, of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: "Swimming is a life skill and we're delighted to train our future swim teachers who support young swimmers in developing confidence, skills and competence in the water."

The next SSTQ course takes place online and at Barrhead and Neilston Leisure Centre swimming pools from June 5 to 30.

To apply, go to https://tinyurl.com/4shmv4t7.