Vanessa S
Hi, I’m Vanessa. I’ve always loved the water and swim whenever I can. I’m a passionate open water swimmer, having completed the 5.25-mile Coniston swim in both 2023 and 2024, and I also compete in triathlons with swims in the pool, lake and sea.
I began as a teaching assistant with a local swim school, gaining hands-on experience before qualifying as a Level 2 Swim Instructor. Since then, I’ve been helping swimmers build confidence, develop their skills and enjoy the water as much as I do.
In Summer 2024, I completed my Open Water Coaching qualification, enabling me to further support swimmers in open water environments. I regularly swim at organised local open water venues, keeping my own skills sharp and up to date.
As an experienced swimmer and coach, I have a keen eye for technique and can quickly identify small adjustments that make a big difference. I’m happy to teach all levels — from your very first time in the pool to refining your stroke for longer-distance challenges.
Qualifications And Professional Memberships
- STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher
- STA Level 2 Award for Safety Award for Teachers
- Enhanced DBS Checked
- Fully Insured
Expertise
- Experience with SEN children
- Teaching Adults
- Nervous Beginners
- Building Water Confidence
- Teaching Children Through Play
- Technique Development
"She has autism and ADHD and always struggled in group settings. These one to one lessons are brilliant and she’s making progress far more than she did in the group settings. Excellent outfit!"
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
Boys really enjoyed their lessons and feel confident about their swimming! Thank you Team
Google Review
Really good instruction and location- my two are coming on leaps and bounds in their swimming!
Google Review
Kids loved it! A great week of swimming lessons. I really saw mine grow in confidence throughout the week. Thanks :)
Google Review
Really happy with the swimming lessons, the instructors are really friendly, it is a very calm environment and my son has become more confident in his swimming.
Trustpilot Review
Vanessa
I started 1-2-1 lessons with Vanessa, I cannot swim and get very panicky in water. After just 4 lessons i feel so good about starting with Vanessa that i feel confident in water and want to learn to be able to swim. Vanessa is very patient and allows you the time you need to get through each step. I would have no hesitation in recommending Vanessa for all age groups (i am an adult) who cannot swim due to trauma experienced as a child, Vanessa is helping me overcome my fear!! Thank You Vanessa, you are great!
Google Review
My son (4/5) always enjoys his 1-2-1 lessons and has gone from not being able to let go of an adult to going under water unaided. Very good progress!
Find out more about our lessons by arranging a callback
If you would like to book a lesson with Abi, then simply fill in the form below and we will call you to arrange your swimming lessons. Alternatively you can call or email us.
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On Trustpilot
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On Google Reviews
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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.