Karen Barnes, 33, started her training to become a swimming teacher during her maternity leave when her first child, Jack, was just ten weeks old. Her son has just had his first birthday and Karen has been working part-time as a fully qualified swimming instructor for the last seven months. Karen says: “It’s been a roller coaster! In the last year my life has totally transformed. I’ve become a mum and also found a super new career that

Sheffield City Trust has renewed its three year consultancy-style agreement with the Institute of Swimming to further develop and grow its swimming lesson provision and increase opportunities and upskilling for current and potential new staff. SIV, the operating arm of Sheffield City Trust, has recently been announced as a Swim England National Performance Centre, with SIV managing six wet sites, including the Olympic Pool at Pools Forge. SIV

LiveWire, a Community Interest Company (CIC), has partnered with the Institute of Swimming to deliver talented and quality swimming instructors and coaches for its aquatic programme across Cheshire. LiveWire CIC and Warrington Borough Council continue to invest in high quality facilities for aquatics in the town, including a refurbished pool at its Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub and a brand new hydrotherapy pool due to open in 2020 at its

The Institute of Swimming has partnered with Fin2Fit to deliver its Mono-Fin CPD teacher training. Qualified teachers will be able to deliver Mono-Fin Mermaid and Shark lessons and parties, as a new and exciting approach to keep children interested in swimming. Fin2Fit offers the UK’s only Swim England Accredited Mono-Fin classes, along with a Mermaid & Shark Award Scheme Programme for children, creating a new exit route for the Swim

The world of insurance can be confusing, especially if you are new to the sector. As a teacher or coach, you are providing a specialised service and could be held responsible for an injury to another person. In circumstances like these, it is essential that you have appropriate insurance protection. Without insurance, you will need to defend yourself, putting your personal wealth at risk. But what do the different insurance types mean and

After successful junior careers in synchronised swimming, Gemma Hollas and Chloe Heaton began their coaching journey with the Institute of Swimming as they look to give back to the sport. The Halifax Synchronised Swimming Club pair sat down for a Q&A to document their road to coaching. When did you learn to swim? Gemma: I didn’t start swimming lessons straight away as I was four years old when I first got into a pool. My mother had