Swim instructor Insurance???

Question

I am planning to take private swim lessons for kids in their backyard pool or a community pool in Texas. I do not have WSI but, I am red cross lifeguard, CPR, First AID and AED certified.

My question is.....Do I need a swim instructor Insurance to protect myself? If needed, what type of insurance do I need and where to get them?

Couple of friends told me that in an unlikely situation, parents might sue. I have been teaching swimming for over 4 yrs in India and have never needed any insurance.

Answer 1

I recommend that take the Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course. It's the safest and best alternative for you and your future students.

The issue, here, is that the requirements for an individual to be a swimming instructor in India, are different from the requirements for an individual to be a swimming instructor in the U.S. By taking the WSI course, then at the very least, you can be sure that your teaching methods and materials are up-to-date and adequate for American standards, (perhaps even better than American standards!) But for you to know for sure, you have to take the WSI course and pass it, to demonstrate that, at the very least, you understand what is expected of you as a swimming instructor in the U.S.

If you opt not to be a certified WSI, and parents eventually find out about it, they can, indeed, sue for damages.