Get our swim teachers - Lucy

Tue 6 Oct 2020

Question and Answer with our swim teacher Lucy from Queen's Leisure Centre.

How did you get involved in teaching swimming? 

When I had my 3 children, I took all of them to parent and child swimming lessons when they were babies. Their teacher suggested that I re-train to be a swimming teacher, and so I did! That was 4 years ago, and I still love it!

What is the most enjoyable part of being a Swimming Teacher?

Definitely seeing the joy in the faces of the swimmers, and parents, when they crack something, and seeing their development in the water. Teaching a life skill isn’t all that bad either!

If you could choose one stroke to swim for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Backstroke, because I am not very fit, so it’s easier for me to breathe.

When you are not at the pool, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I used to work in Professional Theatre in London, and I try to get back there as often as I can, because part of my heart will always be there. My family keep me busy, so I don’t have much spare time, but I love my garden, and I’ve always got soil under my nails.

What are your top 3 tips for any swimmer learning to swim?

  • RELAX and try to enjoy your time in the water
  • LISTEN so that we can keep you safe and teach you more efficiently
  • DON’T BE SCARED to ask questions if you don’t know what you are supposed to be doing, or get a bit confused. We’re with you all the way to help you and keep you safe.

Whilst in lockdown, have you learnt any new skills or taken up any new hobbies?

  • I’ve had to learn how to video conference call! I hadn’t heard of the Zoom app before 20 March, but am pretty efficient at it now.
  • I’ve had to learn how to home-school my kids.
  • My daughter is 12 and is in the first year of secondary school, and my sons are in years 5 and 3, so there is a broad scope of learning objectives in our house at the moment! I am not as smart as I remembered!
  • Crash course in dog grooming! We have two very energetic Maltipoo dogs, called Daisy and Lady, and they are getting very fluffy stuck at home.

If you are interested in joining our Learn to Swim programme go here or get in contact on 01332 641444 or queens.sports@derby.gov.uk