Born in Derbyshire, from a very young age I loved water, and once even requested a “stream at the bottom of my garden” as my present from Father Christmas! I went swimming regularly from around 6 months old. Just before I was 5 years old I began my learn to swim journey with a local swimming club who were amazing and inspiring. All the coaches were volunteers who gave up their time as they were passionate about children learning to swim. I progressed through all the swimming and lifeguarding awards, and then started to help others in the pool at around the age of 14 to age 18 providing 1-2-1 support for children who were finding the group lessons more difficult. I loved seeing the children thrive with the right help and support, in particular those with additional needs who struggled in group lessons.

As well as continuing recreational swimming I got involved in white water kayaking and open canoeing whilst at University, and then also learned to windsurf, sail and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). I moved to Cumbria in 2002 due to wanting to be near the Lake District and I continued to pool/indoor swim fairly regularly myself as I love the connection with water in different sports. When I had my own children (both water births!) it felt natural that swimming was an activity that we would do as a family, and I took them into the pool at least weekly, and then also helped with school swimming lessons once they entered Primary School. This led onto me remembering how much I loved swim teaching, and I started teaching at a local swimming school, alongside being an open water swim coach.

My love for Open Water Swimming came after entering first ever Great North Swim in Windermere in 2007, and naturally other open water swims followed. I love the freedom of open water, the lack of boundaries of pool sides, the space, and not having the worry of too many people trying to swim at different paces etc. I love being close to nature, and living in the central Lake District it is the perfect location for access to some of the most fantastic and inspiring open water swim locations in the entire country. I love being able to help others through swim teaching, and swim coaching, to be able to enjoy water as much as I do.

I am passionate about introducing swimmers to the wonder of the open water, including helping with confidence for novices, or those brand new to open water swimming enjoying their first experience. I also love helping more able swimmers improve their technique so that they can get the most out of each stroke to help them fulfil their goals. I provide coaching for open water confidence; stroke development; and improving fitness through Coached Swim Sessions.

I am a Level 1 and Level 2 ASA Qualified Swimming Teacher; and STA qualified Open Water Swim Coach; and qualified Powerboat handler.