A swimming teacher at our very own Southam Leisure Centre has been inspired to support young children into the water after needing to be rescued as a young child.
Trauma as a Child
Teenager Alisha Zadziorska-Brown has become a fully-qualified swimming teacher – in a bid to ensure youngsters don’t get into trouble in water as she did as a child.
She had become separated from her family and struggled to stay afloat in deep water while on holiday and needed to be rescued by a lifeguard. The incident, however, had a life-changing impact on her.
“When I was younger, I ended up in trouble in the water”, said Alisha.
“It made me realise how important it is to be confident in the water.
“It’s something that you forget sometimes, that it is an essential life skill and not something you can neglect.”
The incident made Alisha determined to help others.
Inspired to become a Swimming Teacher
She developed a passion for the sport and, after completing her A-Levels, Alisha took both her Level 1 and Level 2 swim teacher qualifications after previously working as a lifeguard.
Having qualified in December 2021, she is now keen to encourage others to consider becoming a swimming teacher as a career.
Alisha said: “I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do my courses which I really enjoyed, and now I am teaching as much as I can.
“I thought that if I am making that change for myself, that I could give back to the community and do my part to support anyone who wants to improve their swimming ability.”
Inspiring the next Generation
Alisha continues: “It’s a rewarding career, especially working with younger children where you see them respond to you, making learning as fun as possible.
“The progress they make, no matter how small, even putting their face in the water for the first time, I want them to know that through lessons they will improve and amaze themselves.
“If I can help anyone who previously might not have been fully safe, to get to a level where they can enjoy being in the water, that side of my job makes me really happy.
“I would say to anyone who is considering the career of swim teaching to just do it!
“The support is there and it is extremely rewarding to know you’re helping people learn a skill that will keep them safe for life.”
Alisha is not the only swimming teacher to love her job.
Swimming Teachers Love their Job!
Swim England research shows 96 per cent of swimming teachers in the UK love their job, and love giving back to the community to support children in developing an essential life skill.
As part of a drive to bring more much-needed swim teachers into the workforce, the industry is launching its latest Love Swimming campaign to inspire more people to become swimming teachers and support the nation post-covid to become healthier, happier, and more physically active.
If, like Alisha, you are keen to reflect on life’s priorities, the needs of the nation, and are interested in becoming a swimming teacher, start your journey via our Swim Teacher careers page.