COACH MARK
I started swimming when I was four years old after my grandmother adopted me from foster care. She couldn’t swim and was petrified of the idea of me falling into water and not being able to save me. Swimming lessons and club then became a significant part of my childhood. Thanks to my nan and coaches, swimming became my number one passion.
After working as a lifeguard for a couple years, I decided to become a swimming teacher so I could follow my passion, and provide students with the opportunities swimming has provided for me.
I’m my happiest around water; I find it calming and relaxing, and it feels like a tranquil world away from our own. Teaching children is very rewarding, and I really enjoy teaching skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Being able to put a smile on children’s faces as you build their confidence in the water is a feeling like no other.
Swimming is a life skill, and it also opens up the world of water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, paddle-boarding scuba diving, snorkelling and many more. It can also lead to future job opportunities and career paths.
My teaching style focuses on enjoyment. Teaching children to enjoy the water lays the foundation for a promising future in swimming. In my opinion, a happy child is the best learner, so I like to conduct fun but productive lessons while teaching with a smile. I like to think outside the box to add variety and keep lessons interesting.