Getting a real 'buzz' from Swim England qualifications

Ashlea Samuell gets a real “buzz” from swim teaching.

The 19-year-old completed both her Swim England Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) and Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualifications earlier this year.

And the Activity Leadership Apprentice at Eastbourne College has wasted no time in using her skills to help young swimmers.

Ashlea explained: “It’s predominantly lane-based swimming here at the college and we have a swimming coach, but some of the youngsters approached me and said they’re not quite at that standard and could we run a separate session or lane to help them progress.

“So I now take them and run my own sessions, which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I hadn’t completed the Level 2 course. That’s massively helped me and the school.

“Some of these children would have just stopped swimming completely, so we’re keeping them interested and enjoying their swimming, which is so satisfying.

“Getting that payback, especially with youngsters who are at a disadvantage in any way, is why I do it and where I get my buzz from.”

The support available was fantastic

Combining lifeguarding and swimming teaching in her current role, Ashlea completed her qualifications through Swim UK, one of Swim England’s network of Approved Training Centres.

“I loved both of the courses – the teacher was great and it’s a fantastic qualification,” she said.

“I found it really useful to do the courses close together. The support available from the tutor and from Swim England was also fantastic. It was great to have that back-up and someone available to answer any questions.

“There was a real mixture of learners on our course, ranging from a mother of five in her 50s to people like myself in their teens. There were also people at college, in full-time and part-time jobs and not working at all. It was all walks of life and made for a great group. I loved it.”

• Why not follow Ashlea’s lead and become a swimming teacher? Join the Swimming Qualifications Facebook group at ly/SwimmingQuals