Why Are We So Passionate About Swimming?
Find out below…
OUR TEAM…
Has a lifetime of experience and incredible adventures that have made us the passionate swimming coaches we are today.
But why are we so driven to go above and beyond?
Here’s why:
Julia Raines
I began competitive swimming at just age 9, and started coaching at 16. Then, while studying law at University, I competed as a Master’s Swimmer in London.
But I’m not just a trained lifeguard, competitive swimmer and coach. I have also had the incredible experience of being the Head Coach at Carn Brea and Helston Swimming Club until July 2022, and Head of Swimming at Truro School since 2007.
And after taking on the challenge of open water swimming in 2015, I embarked on my biggest adventure yet…
An open water swim in the icy winter of 2021/2022, called the ‘Polar Bear Challenge’. This nerve-racking event involves swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes, in just a swimming costume.
I completed the Polar Bear Challenge that year with a huge smile on my face - and an even deeper understanding of what it’s like to face your fears. I understand the great level of courage required to begin a new challenge, and the patience, support and dedication it takes to help others do the same.
I can truly say that I have the best job in the world.
Qualifications
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Parent and Child Teacher - Level 2 Swimming Coach
Pool lifeguard qualified - Royal Life Saving Society
Autism Awareness Level 2
Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming
Level 3 Paedatric first aider
Level 2 Special Educational needs and disability
Experience
Truro School - Head of Swimming 2007 – current
Carn Brea and Helston Swimming Club 2007:
Head Coach 2020 – July 2022
County Squad Coach 2018 - 2020
Junior Squad Coach 2014 - 2018 Voluntary Swimming Teacher, Helston Swimming Club 2011 - 2013
Sym Swim Swim School 2007 to 2014
St Ives Leisure Centre – Swim School 2007 - 2009
Amy Kiellor-Jolly
My mother being a swimming teacher means that I have been in the water since 3 months old.
I started at my local Carn Brea Swimming Club, and trained for hours to perfect my stroke technique, gain water confidence, and prepare for club, county and team competitions. And then I started racing - arena leagues, Cornwall and West Devon competitions, county championships and, soon after, becoming qualified for regional championships.
At age 7, I joined Hayle Surf Life Saving Club, later training for Cornish and national competitions.
At 13, I had already begun assisting in the water alongside another coach, and it was there that my love for teaching children to swim really flourished. At 16, I passed my Level 1 swimming teaching certificate, and 2 years later I completed Level 2.
And at 17, I undertook one of my most exciting adventures yet: traveling to Montpellier, France, to compete at the world championships in surf life saving.
I also hold a RLSS pool lifeguard certificate, which I use as a Lifeguard at Hayle outdoor pool and Truro Prep.
And of course, living in Cornwall means that every aspect of my life is tied to the water. From sea swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, snorkeling and exploring around the coast, the water has become my home.
Qualifications/Experience
Level 1 Swimming Teacher
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Pool Lifeguard Certificate RLSS
Hayle Surf Life Saving
Hayle Pool + Truro Prep Lifeguarding
Truro Prep Swim Coach
Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming
Level 3 Paedatric first aider
Level 2 Special Educational needs and disability
Monique Clark
My first experience of swimming might be a little different to most, they were swimming lessons held off a beach in North Western Australia, within the confines of a shark cage.
When my family returned to Canada, I began competitive swimming in Toronto. In the summer holidays, I enjoyed swimming in various lakes around Ontario.
After moving to the UK, I began competing in the Masters swimming events and undertaking various sea swimming challenges, all year around.
I guess no matter the continent, hot or cold – I just love being in the water!
Qualifications
UK Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coach
UK Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Swim America Coach
Experience
Swimming Teacher and Lane Coach, TR1 Swim Club - 2014 to 2021
Swimming Teacher, Carn Brea Leisure Centre - 2002 to 2006
Swim America Supervisor, Truro City Swimming Club - 2003 to 2005
Juniors Coach, Carn Brea Swimming Club - 2004 to 2005
Lane Coach, Truro City Swimming Club - 2002
Jowen Dupuy
Like many children my first experience of swimming lessons was via my Primary School when I was 5.
At 10 I was entering competitions and became the U12 intermediate champion. Gaining gold in 50m Breaststroke and 100m Backstroke at the County Championships, I was then motivated to qualify for the Regional competitions when I was 16.
Alongside my own swimming training I had regularly assisted at Truro Swimming Club and realised I enjoyed teaching others.
Initially qualifying as a pool lifeguard I have formalised my experience and also gained my Level 1 and 2 teaching Qualification.
Throughout my childhood I was involved in Surf Life Saving Club and was always on the beach. I love surfing, sea swimming and kayaking. This lead me to becoming a Beach Lifeguard, and spending my Summer lifeguarding in the sun.
Sophie Snow
Swimming has been a central part of my life from a very young age. I began swimming lessons at my local pool as soon as I was able, before going on to compete for the City of Cardiff for over 10 years. Along the way, I gained not only medals, Welsh titles, and achievements, but also lifelong friendships, confidence, and opportunities that have helped shape who I am today.
I have been a swimming teacher for nearly five years and, alongside teaching, I am a full-time medical student at the University of Exeter, working towards my childhood dream of becoming a doctor.
Outside of teaching and studying, I love staying active, spending time with friends and family, and exploring Cornwall. I’ve recently taken up running — very much a fish out of water at the moment — and I’m currently training for the Cardiff Half Marathon next year, which is especially exciting as Cardiff is my home city.
I am passionate about helping swimmers of all ages build confidence in the water and experience the lifelong physical and mental benefits that swimming can offer.
I look forward to helping you or your loved ones feel comfortable, capable, and confident in the water.
Hayley Walker
I started my swimming career in Northampton at the age of 4 and was soon involved in the world of competition. My hard work and dedication saw me swim at National Level.
My mum established SWIMS (swim with Maggie Sharp) approx. 25 years ago and I would often be found demonstrating and volunteer assisting with the lessons. Realising that I had a desire to share my passion for the water and a love of helping people on their own swimming path, I gained my Level 2 teaching qualification in 2016 and my Baby & Preschool certificate in early 2017. Initially I taught with Aqualight and at SWIMS.
In 2019 I took a position with the local council delivering the swimming programme to schools whilst continuing to also teach alongside mum.
Following COVID mum sold her business and my family and I relocated to Cornwall. It was following this move I came across the newly established Squidlets Swim School. We have the same desire to ensure as many as possible are able to access the opportunity to achieve the life skill that is swimming.
BUT WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
Simple:
We take a radically different approach to swimming. Because it doesn’t just take concrete experience to be an incredible swimming coach. You also need to think outside the box, develop a deep sense of empathy for each individual learner, and become in tune and receptive to each child’s needs.
Because we know that swimming isn’t just about passing badges.
It’s about the child who overcomes their fears, and competes for the first time with a huge grin on their face. It’s about our learners not just becoming confident in the water, but flourishing in every single aspect of their life, as their confidence spills over into new pursuits, new challenges, new opportunities that they are now empowered to take.
And it’s about taking each child by the hand and giving them the devotion and patience they need to achieve things they never thought possible.
So sure, your child could learn how to pass badges at another swim school. But after having the honour of witnessing countless students transform with our coaching?
We know swimming is way, way more than that.
Kind words …
Follow our journey.
