COACH SARA
I have been swimming since I was a young child. My mum encouraged me to take lessons during my childhood in Italy because it is a low-impact sport that can train the whole body and is also beneficial for mental wellbeing. It kept me active during our holidays by the sea. I’m grateful she did that as this skill has opened many doors for me; lifeguard, swimming teacher, scuba diver. Also, I am able to enjoy many other water-based sports.
I started to work in leisure centres as a lifeguard and what made my shifts more interesting was being able to observe swimming teachers at work and getting to know them. They inspired me to follow the same path. I also realised that the most effective way to prevent people from drowning is to teach them how to swim, relax and float.
I love being a swimming coach because I feel I am doing something purposeful. I also love to see the progression of my swimmers. Interacting with children and adults makes me develop not only as a swimming teacher but also as a person.
Swimming is a life skill that can potentially save lives. I think that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn to swim and it’s never too late to learn. In the early stages swimming lessons are focused on developing the fundamental movements that will activate muscle memory essential for swimming and to build self-confidence. My aim is to introduce, improve and develop effective strokes and skills, adding water safety and fun water games to each lesson.
I want children to understand why the stroke is effective only if they move in a certain way and I adapt the lessons according to the child’s ability and needs. My lessons are based on developing the child’s confidence.