At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and coach participants in exciting watersports activities while ensuring safety and high standards.
- Company: Join Southwark Council's dynamic Leisure Services team focused on community health and inclusion.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving leisure services in Southwark.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping people of all ages enjoy and excel in watersports.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching watersports and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Watersports Instructor, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality watersports activities that inspire participation, promote healthy lifestyles and provide an exceptional customer experience. You will safely deliver teaching and coaching sessions, support the development of our watersports programme, and help maintain the highest standards across the facility. You will also contribute towards achieving and maintaining recognised industry accreditations while ensuring all equipment, facilities and activities meet health and safety requirements.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused individual who is passionate about watersports and committed to helping people of all ages and abilities develop their skills and confidence.
You Will Have:
- Experience delivering watersports teaching and coaching sessions.
- Knowledge of relevant National Governing Body standards and best practices.
- A strong commitment to health, safety and customer wellbeing.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- The ability to motivate, encourage and support participants in achieving their goals.
- Experience carrying out equipment and facility safety checks.
- A proactive approach to maintaining high facility standards.
- Relevant watersports qualifications and licences required for the role.
- A commitment to maintaining mandatory qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD).
Southwark Council's Leisure Services team is shaping the future of leisure provision following the transfer of services to full council management in 2023. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking service that is committed to improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities and increasing participation in physical activity across the borough. As part of the Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth department, you'll join a supportive team dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for residents while maintaining high standards of service delivery. We value innovation, collaboration and continuous learning, offering opportunities for professional development and growth as we build a new future for leisure services in Southwark.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ben Wilson, Watersports Manager.
Additional Information:
- X 2 positions.
- Hours of work: 36 hours per week, Monday - Sunday.
- Type of contract: permanent.
- This position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at Enhanced – Adults and Children (Barred) level.
Benefits And More Information:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 28th July 2026.
Shortlisting date: Thursday 30th July 2026.
Interview date: week commencing Monday 3rd August 2026.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes live in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together underpin all that we do.
Watersports Instructor — Coaching, Safety & Skills in London employer: Southwark Council
As a leading organisation in public health, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the health and wellbeing of the Southwark community. With a commitment to professional development, our employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, fostering a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that address health inequalities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in public health through collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Watersports Instructor — Coaching, Safety & Skills in London
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Southwark Council. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Southwark Council. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Watersports Instructor — Coaching, Safety & Skills in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Southwark Council aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Southwark Council, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.