neighborhood pool dive team

Question
We belong to a neighborhood pool that has a swim and dive team. This is not a highly competitive league this is for summer fun and some instruction. I need to hire a dive coach. are there certain safety requirements or certificates that one should have to coach such a thing? We want the children to learn some fundamentals but safety is also my concern regarding who to hire.

Answer
Mary Jo -

First of all, make sure the coach has First Aid, CPR and some sort of water rescue certificate, all available from the Red Cross. If you want more certification, have this person take the USA Diving Safety Certification Course for Coaches. Go to www.usadiving.org for more info. It is a test the coach can take on line and then upon passing the course,takes a water safety course from a local diving professional.The water test is about how to rescue a diver using a backboard. Very important for head injuries. This course will protect your neighborhood pool association from further litigation. Forming a team with USA Diving can also provide you with insurance as long as the coach is safety certified.