Aqualife Instructors | Aqualife Swimming

Gosia (Malgorzata) Zielinska-Dagostin - Swimming Instructor

As a child, I was always surrounded by all kinds of sports as both my parents used to teach PE. It was no surprise when I followed their steps and got my Masters in Academy of Physical Education in my home country of Poland.

Since becoming a mum of two children my mission to teach has become stronger than ever. In 15 years of swim teaching I can certainly say that it is not only a life skill but a great way to spend free time, have fun and enjoy aquatics.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Swim instructor
STA Level 2 Award in Aquatic Teaching Baby & Pre-School
STA Baby and Pre-School safety training awards
STA Antenatal Swimming Instructor
STA Teaching Adults Instructor
STA Junior Lifeguard Instructor including Diving, Starts and Turns specifications
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable adults Programme
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches
STA Baby and Pre-school submersions
STA Baby and Pre-school Diploma Up-skill
Swim England Aquatic Skills Framework stages 8/9/10 Synchro
Enhanced DBS Check

Jane Gadsby - Swimming Instructor

Swimming has played a massive part in my life for more years than I care to remember. I was lucky enough to be born in a generation that had weekly lessons at school from primary school all the way through to public exams at 15. No school holiday was complete without access to some kind of swimming opportunity - pool, lake or sea.

I love most water sports and am currently enjoying aqua aerobics and the occasional wild water swim, alongside pounding the lengths of the pool for a bit of gentle cardio. Fortunately all four of my (now adult) children have inherited my love of the water and we particularly enjoy coming together for our Boxing Day swims, actively hunting out new places to indulge in a post Christmas dip.

As a qualified primary school teacher, I am experienced in working with young children and thoroughly enjoy tackling the challenges they can sometimes present. I am passionate about the importance of water safety and aim to combine skill acquisition with lots of fun in every lesson.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA International Baby and Pre School Teacher
STA Safety Award for Teachers
STA Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults
PGCE in Primary Education
Enhanced DBS Check

Rebecca Moore - Swimming Instructor

I come from an active family who love sport, and grew up swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, running and cycling. My mum enrolled me in swimming lessons when I was very young and I completed the International Learn to Swim programme as a child. While I thoroughly enjoyed all sports activities, my real passion is swimming.

Most of my working life has been involved in childhood education in one form or another, I hold CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education and have worked as a private Nanny in the UK and abroad and within Early Educational Settings.

I am so fortunate to be able to combine my Early Years experience with my love of the water, and to be able to teach Swimming. It is an essential life skill, and is extremely rewarding. The look of achievement on my students' faces when they overcome their fear of water and progress to competent swimmers is wonderful to experience!

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
Swim England Qualification / SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant
STA Safety Award for Teachers
STA Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Enhanced DBS Check

Jesus Garcia Delgado - Swimming Instructor

Outdoor physical activity has always been my greatest passion. Competitively at first, but over time my love for all sports has become a such a core value I feel I need to share! I am keen to spread the word, make access more accessible and help anybody who would like to make a change.

I have worked within Aquatics for 20 years, Swimming Co-ordinator, Teaching and Coaching children of all levels. I have undertaken voluntary work as SEND Sport Instructor, and most recently completing Open Water Coaching qualifications. Leading all my learners through an emotional experience and the amazing adventure of aquatic discovery, makes me who I am, and what I'd love to continue doing all my life.

My qualifications:

Science of Sports Degree
Swimming Coach level 3
STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Junior Lifeguard Instructor including Diving, Starts and Turns
STA Level 2 Open Water Coach.
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable adults Programme

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Caitlyn Semple - Swimming Instructor

I started swimming lessons at 3 months old and have loved being in the water ever since. I take every opportunity to jump into the swimming pool or when on holiday dive off boats to swim in the sea.

Over the years my passion for swimming has progressed from early years swimming lessons to competitive swimming. I currently swim for Sevenoaks swimming club and have progressed through from Kent Championships, to South East regionals and being in the finals at English nationals level.

Being a part of Aqualife allows me to share my love for the sport I’ve grown up with and working with children has always been something I’ve enjoyed, especially their energy and imagination.

I hope to inspire my swimmers to enjoy and be confident in the water, to jump into the pool or jump off the boat in the sea!

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS check
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Slawek Szydlowski - Swimming Instructor

Since I was a little boy, I have been in love with watersports, enjoying scuba diving, canoeing and most of all sailing. My passion for swimming brought competition at county and national level, and then on to university where I graduated with a Masters Degree in Sports Science. I later gained coaching qualifications in swimming and athletics.

I have been working as a swimming teacher and coach for more than 20 years. Always been in leisure industry, taking various roles from a Pool Lifeguard, Swimming Instructor, Fitness Instructor, Studio Cycling Instructor to a Centre Manager. Currently I work as a PE teacher and Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator at one of Kent’s Secondary Schools.

Throughout my career, I worked for highly-rated swimming schools in central London, and I have worked with a very broad spectrum of ages and abilities including large group classes for both public and private schools, children with additional needs, competitive swimmers, children and adults.

I find my biggest reward and joy in knowing I had a positive impact on someone’s life and that my guidance and support in their swimming and life is going to bring them many happy memories in the future.

In my spare time, I sail on River Medway, I play piano and I love reading books.

Qualifications:

ASA UK Level 2 Swimming Teacher Certificate
NRASTC Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches, The Royal Life Saving Society
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
Certified SwimSanity Instructor
First Aid at Work Certificate

Victoria Rodwell - Swimming Instructor

I have loved everything swimming since I was able to walk! This was soley
due to fantastic swimming teachers and coaches along the way.

I swam competitively for Guildford City, and was very fortunate to be able
to swim the Channel as part of a relay in August 2022.

I completed my Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching when I was 18 and I have
thoroughly enjoyed seeing student's water confidence grow ever since. I love
being underneath the water exploring what is down there too, and completed
Divemaster Scuba diving qualification in Mexico.

In 2021 I did my PGCE and teach Secondary PE. I have learnt so much working
with children and young adults, both in education and in the pool. I still
love learning myself, finding new and exciting ways to teach new skills. I
am very excited to share my passion for swimming and all things aquatic,
with the students at Aqualife!

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Award in Safety Award for Teachers
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches
STA Award in Aquatic teaching, disability swimming tutor.
STA School swimming academy
STA Junior Lifeguard Instructor
STA Diving, Starts and Turns
PGCE
Secondary PE Qualification
Enhanced DBS Check
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
PADI Open water, Advanced, and Divemaster

Tillie Williams - Swimming Instructor

I have always loved the water. Through-out my childhood, swimming played a
huge role in my passion for physical activity and the importance it brings
to our physical, mental and social wellbeing.

My fondest childhood memories are splashing about with my family on a Sunday
at our local leisure centre, seaside day trips, Lilo races on holiday and
racing my dad across the pool - who was equally as competitive as me!

I was so fortunate both my parents loved the water and raised my sister and
I to love it too. I am now a proud mother to two boys and a little girl, and
we have so many joyful moments together in the water. Our absolute favourite
place is the outside rapids at Centre Parcs.

During my primary and secondary school years I would swim regularly at my
local swim club, competing in galas and learning new aquatic skills. At
University I studied Physical Activity & Sport, with swimming being one of
my practical subjects.

Being a swim teachers allows me to shine a light on the moments of joy that
come with being in the water with the children I teach. I have always
enjoyed working with children - their imaginations, energy and individual
personalities are just wonderful. Swimming is not only such an important
life skill, it is also a wonderful opportunity for young people to meet new
friends, feel a sense of belonging and build self-confidence, whilst having
lots of fun.

Qualifications:

SEQ Level 2 - Teaching Swimming
SEQ Level 2 - Teaching Swimming to babies and toddlers
BA Hons Degree Physical Activity & Sport
University Certificate in Public Health Practice
DTA qualified dance teacher
England Athletics - Leadership in running fitness
Level 2 Exercise to Music instructor
YMCA Level 3 Adapting exercise for ante-natal and post-natal clients
Safeguarding children and adults
STA Safety Award for Teachers

Emilly Sanderson - Swimming Instructor

I have been swimming teaching for 7 years and absolutely love it; it is no surprise that my favorite Disney princess’s are Moana and the little mermaid!

My passion for swimming stems from my childhood mainly due to the positive role models I had. As a swimming teacher I aim to be the positive role model that I had for the children or adults that I am teaching. There is no better feeling than the fulfillment of seeing swimmers (at any level) overcoming hurdles, improving confidence and seeing a smile on their face.

Over the last 7 years I have gained experience teaching all ages and abilities from 2 years old to adults and from complete beginners all the way to national level swimmers. For 8 years I swam competitively for the London Borough of Chelsea and Westminster reaching national championship level.

As a PE teacher I am able to combine my vast knowledge of swimming with theories of how children learn, to improve my teaching.

Qualifications:

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
BSc (Hons) First Class Degree in Sports Science
ASA level 1 Award in Teaching Aquatics
ASA Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS Check
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Jake Osborne - Swimming Instructor

I have always loved being involved in physical activities, such as swimming, my mum and dad were very supportive and encouraged me to swim because it was one of my favourite things to do.

Therefore, it was very natural to train as a swimming teacher and take pride in not only sharing my love of the water but encouraging students to improve and become competent swimmers as a life skill.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Safety Award for Teachers
Safe Guarding Children, Adults and Vulnerable People
Enhanced DBS checked

Evie Collings - Swimming Instructor

From a young age I have always felt a deep connection to water. As a self-proclaimed “water baby” the sea has always felt like a second home to me and a place where I feel most at peace.

Whether it's the ocean, a pool or any body of water I can never go too long without diving in. When I was younger, I did a lot of competitive swimming and although I no longer compete, my bond with the water remains. I swim on a weekly basis for my body and soul.

Becoming a swim teacher was a natural path for me because I have always found a joy in sharing my love for the water with others. Teaching people how to swim is more than just helping them master a stroke, it is about building their confidence, courage and bravery in the water and seeing their faces light up when achieving a skill.

Being a swimming teacher goes beyond instructions, it is getting to know their strengths and weaknesses but also just getting to know them, and helping them embark on a wonderful journey through swimming.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS check
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Finn Watkins - Swimming Instructor

Swimming has been a big part of my whole life. Having grown up in and around Aqualife, I have been involved in many aspects of the business from the inspiration for the “Creature of the Week” ideas - as I always had a fascination of the underwater world and aquatic life - to completing all the swimming programs from Learn to Swim to Junior Lifeguard.

I competed in State Championships whilst I was living in Brisbane and I have been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places. Swimming with sharks in Fiji was definitely a highlight for me!

I started working as an Assistant in 2022 and am now a qualified STA Instructor. I absolutely love teaching swimmers of all ages at every stage of their journey and seeing their progress week on week.

Outside of the pool I enjoy cooking, airsoft, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS check
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Elsie Moore - Swimming Instructor

From a young age I’ve loved everything to do with water and aquatics, whether it’s pool based or in the ocean. I learnt to swim from a very young age with Aqualife myself so I’ve been with the company my entire life!

After completing the Learn to Swim Pathway, I swam competitively, my favorite and strongest stroke is Backstroke. After competing for a while I was introduced to Artistic Swimming and I spent a few years learning the technical and artistic skills required for the sport, and then competing with Aquaoaks Artistic Swimming Squad.

I love teaching children to swim, the thought that the little ones I see each week might grow up to have the same love for swimming and the water inspires me and fills me with passion.

I also love trying new water sports and enjoy surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and much more.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS check
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Preston Williams - Swimming Instructor

As an Australian, I have been swimming since I was a baby. By the time I was 5 years old I was a very competent swimmer and was able to join “Little Nippers” at our local surf lifesaving club. I remember having to do long ocean swims to the shark nets and back. After moving to the UK, I started swimming lessons with Aqualife, soon training as a squad swimmer with school.

I returned to Aqualife as a volunteer for my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and stayed on as a Teacher’s Assistant. I love the water and swimming and therefore it was a natural progression to train as a fully qualified Swimming Instructor. In my lessons I strive to be a role model and pass on my passion for swimming to the children.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
STA Level 2 Safety Award for Teachers
Safeguarding Children, Young People, and Vulnerable Adults
Enhanced DBS checked

Louis Drew - Swimming Instructor

I started volunteering with Aqualife Swimming as an Assistant as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and was delighted to be offered a role Assisting the Instructors upon completion.

I started swimming lessons when I was young and always really loved exploring the ocean and seeing all the sea creatures up close, during family holidays over the years.

Bringing the joy and wonder of the Aquatic World to life in the swimming pool with the Creature of the week really inspires me to pass on my love of the water to all my swimmers.

Qualifications:

STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching
STA Level 2 Award in Safety Award for Teachers
Enhanced DBS check
STA Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults