You have land lovers and water rats. The latter cannot live without water. They prefer to be in and around water, swimming, sailing, surfing, or otherwise. Ali is one of those. The former sailor traveled a long way before he could start working as a supervisor and swimming instructor at the Noorderparkbad, with help from the municipality. “It’s varied and fun work. And I love water.”
Amsterdam has 10 municipal swimming pools. Visitors must be able to swim there safely, and we need people for that. Do you also want to become a swimming instructor in Amsterdam? Then follow a training course through the municipality at cost price.
Love for Water
Since April, Ali Naddaf has had a permanent contract at the Noorderparkbad, where he works as a supervisor and swimming instructor. “Finally a permanent contract, I am so happy about that. It provides peace and security. I had been looking for that for years. I love water, and what could be better than making a profession out of it?”
‘Come Apply!’
Almost 10 years ago, Ali fled from Syria to the Netherlands. After many wanderings, he ended up in Amsterdam, where he could get to work. He took what he could get and delivered mail for a long time. But the water kept calling him. “In Syria, I worked as a sailor. I loved my job. But I couldn’t do that here because of the rules.” A friend of Ali told him that the municipality was still looking for swimming instructors. “He knew that I love water and said: ‘Isn’t that something for you? Come apply.’”
Fun and Varied
Ali took a swimming test and passed with flying colors. Once he started as a supervisor, he saw colleagues giving swimming lessons. “That seemed fun and varied to me, and moreover, I saw that as an instructor you could also work more hours.” On the municipalitys website, he found the training Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard Amsterdam (ZLA) and registered. He could start soon.
Theory and Internship
A busy period followed. In addition to his work and extra language lessons, he attended theory classes and did internships at various Amsterdam swimming pools. “You follow experienced instructors a lot. This way, you learn step by step how to teach adults and children. And of course, it’s all about safety. After I obtained my diploma, I could start immediately. First through a temp agency, and then as a permanent employee at the Noorderparkbad. Now I stand outside as a supervisor in the summer, and in the winter, I mainly teach in the indoor pool.”
Training and Information Evening
The ZLA training starts this year on Wednesday, October 1. On Wednesday, September 3, there is an information evening for interested parties. The training lasts about 9 months. After passing the exam, you may work as a swimming instructor or lifeguard/supervisor in swimming pools. The training is offered at cost price. This year it is € 1,849, including exam fees. You can pay this amount in a maximum of 3 installments.