Melanie B
Hi, I’m Melanie and have I been passionate about swimming since childhood when I was taught this amazing skill by my Dad.
Although I first learnt to swim in the ’70s, swimming techniques have evolved and both my knowledge and STA qualification from May 2021 is up-to-date and in line with current standards.
My background is in massage therapy and so my naturally relaxed and calm personality transfers to my teaching; calm and kind is the way I like to teach, with an element of fun throughout all stages. As a parent, I have acquired many life skills that I am able to transfer into my lessons. If I can deliver lessons that are safe, fun and progressive then I am a happy teacher.
Qualifications And Professional Memberships
- Qualified for Over 5 years
- STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher
- STA Rescue Qualification
- STA Membership
- Enhanced DBS Checked
- Fully Insured
Expertise
- Technique Development
- Building Water Confidence
- Nervous Beginners
- Teaching Children Through Play
- Teaching Adults
"My son has being having swimming lessons for a while and his confidence has really grown in the water. My son also loves the teachers and gets on really well with them"
My Customer Reviews
Our teachers are experts in their field, but don’t just take our word for it.
See some recent Trustpilot and Google reviews from my happy swimmers!
Google Review
Great teachers, Amy W and Melanie B had me swimming in my first 3 lessons as an adult with 0 experience or confidence.
Trustpilot Review
Mel B Swim Expert Basingstoke - got my son swimming in 6 sessions
Mel B has been fantastic in getting my 10 year old son to swim. I honestly could not believe my eyes, seeing the rapid improvement in my boy’s ability. We’d tried group lessons at the town pool when he was younger. I spent £400 there in total and he’d learnt nothing. So I thought I’d give 1-2-1 lessons a go. The change in my son’s attitude was instant. Before getting into the pool with Mel B, he was a boy who wouldn’t put his head back in the water. Within 15 minutes he was floating on his back! Yesterday, after his sixth session he swam his first length! Mel B teaches in a methodical way, making it fun too, so my boy doesn’t realise he’s being gently encouraged to do more and progress. Her attention and focus on their learning is 100 per cent. Thanks so much Mel! (Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke)
Google Review
Thank you very much Melanie was amazing lessons and my daughter really enjoyed. Highly recommend.
Trustpilot Review
Our swim instructor in Basingstoke is superb
Our swim instructor in Basingstoke is superb, she is able to put the kids at ease and allow them to feel confident in the water.
Trustpilot Review
Amazing 1:1 swimming lessons in Basingstoke
Amazing 1:1 swimming lessons with swim expert. My daughter's teacher in Basingstoke is brilliant. She has put my now 7 year old at ease and she is so much more confident in the water. She looks forward to her lessons every week.
Trustpilot Review
I am so happy about the swimming lessons
I am so happy about the swimming lessons for my daughter, at Basingstoke Apollo Hotel, the tutor, she is amazing and my daughter is getting much better and really enjoying the lessons. Would recommend swim experts to my friends and colleagues.
Trustpilot Review
I’m a first time swimmer
I’m a first time swimmer and I had my first lesson with Melanie B. She was very patient throughout the lesson and eased me down. Looking forward to more lessons, thank you Melanie and SwimExpert team.
Trustpilot Review
Melanie’s fab lessons!
I have been bringing my daughter to see Melanie for private lessons for over 3 years. She is fantastic with my daughter & equally my daughter loves her lessons too. Venue is lovely, pool clean and not overly busy.
Google Review
My daughter has a lot of sensory issues and has been really anxious about swimming since she turned 1 (prior to this she was really happy in the water!) we've tried a few group lessons over the years but they just couldn't get her past her growing fear of the water so we had to stop to avoid distress. We started her swimming 1-1 with Mel about a year ago and she is now actually swimming! She has transformed from someone who wouldn't even go near water without an inflatable ring on (she was 7) to a happy, enthusiastic swimmer. She is still reluctant to put her ears and nose in the water but Mel's gentle & calm approach has been really good and we haven't seen any reluctance at all about actually going to lessons, which for her is a minor miracle! I have also brought my 6yo son along to the odd lesson in school holidays (he usually has group lessons elsewhere). He is far more confident than his sister but has missed a few crucial techniques along the way so this is the perfect way to just build on certain skills relevant to each person.
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Download Our Brochure
Swim faster, smarter and more confidently with 1-to-1 instruction from the UK’s leading swim specialists
- Private 1-to-1 Lessons for focused learning
- Tailored Coaching Plans based on ability
- Expert Coaches across premier UK venues
- Locations all over England
We pride ourselves not only on delivering exceptional swimming lessons, but also on delivering them in a safe environment
FAQs
Here are a list of our most frequently asked questions from our valued customers.
That’s a tough one. How long is that piece of string? During your first lessons we will discuss your current abilities and your goals and set lesson plans that are sensible. Your instructor is the best person to give you a reasonable answer to this question once you have had a lesson or two with him or her.
Yes, unlike a lot of companies, we encourage our teachers to get in the water when needed to either demonstrate, support, or otherwise assist you in the learning process.
The most cost effective way to take lessons is to book in ‘blocks’ of lesson, and that’s how most of our customers book with us. However if you are unsure and want to try us out then you can always book a single lesson. Remember that all our lessons are backed by our progression guarantee so there is no reason not to book more than one lesson!
Lessons are generally either 30 or 60 minutes in duration. Most childrens’ lessons are 30 minutes, most adults 60 minutes, but this is dependent on your goals and needs. Why not phone the office today on 0330 111 29 29 to discuss which would be best for you?
Most likely, we have dealt with many clients with special needs and several of our instructors have additional interest or qualifications in this respect. Why not phone the office today on 0330 111 29 29 to discuss your particular needs?
Yes, our lessons are suitable for people with water anxiety. Our instructors have extensive experience supporting nervous swimmers and use gentle, confidence‑building techniques to help you overcome fear, make steady progress, and begin enjoying the water at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Unlike many swim schools, we operate all year round and are able to offer lessons also on many Bank Holidays. Simply enquire about the dates you are interested in.
Yes — in most cases you can continue lessons with the same instructor. Our instructors usually work at the same venue on the same day or across multiple days, so you can book sessions that align with their schedule. If an unexpected situation arises, such as your instructor being unwell, we will arrange another qualified instructor to teach your lesson.
Yes, you will need to bring your own towel. Towels are not provided at any of our venues (although some may charge for one if you forget to bring your towel with you)
Yes if, for example, you have two children then you can book a block of lessons and decide which child is to have which of the lessons.
Yes. All our venues allow a parent to watch their child having a lesson – some from poolside others from a viewing area. Facilities for more than one parent to view may be limited at some venues so please respect this one parent rule in this instance.
We accept most major debit or credit cards (except American Express) either via our website or by telephone payment to our office. We do not accept cash/cheques nor direct bank payments.