Aquatics is one of the few sports/recreations where such a dual set of instructional qualifications exist.
This came about as the basic skills to survive in an aquatic environment need to be taught whereas with most land based activities, participants commencing the sport or recreational activity have already attained a degree of ability.
Put simply, a swimming and water safety Teacher focuses on introducing a Learner to the environment (how to get in and out for a variety of locations), shows them methods of moving through the water in a variety of methods (floating, basic competitive and lifesaving strokes), and how to stay safer (survival skills, basic rescues, surface dives, variety of environmental factors in locations).
A qualified swimming and water safety Teacher acquires a basic theoretical knowledge of teaching and learning, strokes, water safety and survival in order to teach such skills.
A swimming Coach acquires knowledge which enables them to assist swimmers who already have the basic skills in aquatics. The Coach has the ability to train a swimmer in how to swim "further, faster and better" through improving a swimmer's stroke mechanics, decreasing resistance forces, and training their body for adaptation to the activity.
A qualified Coach has the knowledge to enable swimmers to improve their competitive stroke styles and efficiency, strength and conditioning through drills and training, motivational strategies and training technique.
Which qualification should you do first?
To be more "employable" both qualifications and sets of skills are an advantage. There is an entry level for people in both the Coaching strand and Teaching strand. It depends on the area you wish to specialise in. Other factors to consider are:
Location: Some areas have a large number of Children who can already swim well by the time they get to school. A strong local commercial swim program for Pre-schoolers and younger Children may require more Coaches for Primary and High Schoolers and conversely more swimming and water safety Teachers specialising on younger aquatics. Conversely a poor swimming program may need swimming and water safety Teachers well into high school age Students.
Your job position: Is it at a commercial centre or a school where you work? What level of students are you likely to teach? What hours do you wish to work and what are the opportunities in your area?
Career or vocation: Part time and vocational employment demand is strong in the area of swimming and water safety teaching whereas Coaches tend to be more career focused, sometimes combining coaching with teaching.
The pyramid! The top of a pyramid can only go as high as its base will let it. A large strong teaching base ensures that there are more coaching opportunities and that the top of the pyramid is higher (i.e. it is likely there will be more elite Swimmers).
Most Employers with a broad business have opportunities for both swimming and water safety Teachers and swimming Coaches. Additional employer related requirements such as "criminal checks", CPR, first aid, lifeguarding or pool plant operations may also be required.
The cost and duration of the basic teaching course (Swim Australia Teacher) tends to be slightly less than that of the basic coaching course (Junior Squad and Assistant Coach).
Additional
Both Coaching and Teaching qualification strands offer a range of additional accreditations specialising in such areas as (teaching) Babies and Toddlers, Disabled, Adults and Special Needs, (coaching) elite level - Bronze, Silver and Gold, Masters/Adults, Disabled and Open Water.
Some careers are also enhanced by other peripheral qualifications and skills in such areas as pool plant operation, life guarding, management, officiating and secretarial.