Private swim lessons at clients' pools

Parents of young children, adults who never learned to swim, and families with a pool at home.

A set fee per lesson, often sold as a block of 5 or 10 lessons. Backyard pools are busiest in summer, while indoor condo pools can keep you working through winter.

• Patience and clear instruction
• Confident swimmer with good water safety knowledge
• Friendly with children and nervous adults

• Insurance: check that your policy covers lessons at clients' private pools and that you understand any condo or pool owner rules
• Supervision and safety: check the recommended student-to-instructor ratios and have a clear emergency plan at every pool
• Qualifications: check which certifications clients and facilities expect in your province
• Seasonality: outdoor pools are usually only usable for part of the year
• Check with your municipality whether any home-based or business licence applies

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $400 to $1,500, depending on the equipment, insurance and qualifications you need. Check which certifications clients and facilities expect in your province before you budget.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many lessons you teach and your rates. Outdoor pools are usually only usable for part of the year, so seasonality can affect it.

Check that your insurance covers lessons at clients' private pools and any condo or pool owner rules. Also check recommended student-to-instructor ratios, have an emergency plan at every pool, and ask your municipality about any licence.