Georgia teaches our Swim Academy lessons for the over 4s weeknights at our Aqua Nurture pool in Gee Cross, and Sundays at our Wright Robinson College pool in Gorton. Here's what she had to say!
"I love my role at Puddle Ducks teaching Swim Academy lessons for the over 4's, it keeps me super busy. Here's a run through of how I spend my teaching days.
First I scroll through that evening's registers to see if I have any new swimmers in my classes or if there are any birthdays coming up so we can sing happy birthday. Then I print my registers and laminate a copy to be kept poolside, there's nothing worse than going home with soggy paper! Then I pack my teaching bag. My swim bag essentials are: Uniform, towels (especially a hair towel for winter), clean clothes for after teaching, shower gel & shampoo, hairbrush, moisturiser, bobbles and an after swim snack.
Next, I check that all of my teaching matrices are up to date so I know exactly what criteria each swimmer has ticked off and what they still need to achieve. I'll then annotate the lesson plans & revise them so that I know what I will be teaching that evening. I often catch up with Mel, our Swim Academy Senior Teacher if I have any questions regarding activities or about teaching in general.
Next I'll make some dinner, usually tuna pasta or a jacket potato - something that will give me lots of energy whilst teaching!
I set off for the pool and get there at least an hour before teaching, say hi to whoever is in the coffee shop and the office, and pick up any notes from the office about free trials or new swimmers. Then I'll speak to my assistant teacher to run through the lesson plans for the session.
Once I'm poolside, I take the air and pool temperatures to make sure everything’s fit to teach. We then put out the woggles and any equipment needed for the lessons, along with milestone cards as I love my swimmers to get their grown up to take a picture of them when they've achieved an award for instance, to remember their achievements!
Then it's time to teach! I love hearing what all of my swimmers have been up to in the week, and I enjoy catching up with parents poolside. I absolutely adore seeing the progress my swimmers make each week and it gives me a real sense of pride watching them overcome fears and master new skills. While teaching, I make sure I drink lots and lots of water to stay hydrated in that heat!
After the lessons have ended, it's shower time, to get all of that chlorine off. I then help the poolside assistant clean up and pack the equipment away after teaching. When I get home, I complete my registers & tick off any criteria from that day and finally sit down to my evening meal and relax!"
Georgia, we have to say that you are super hard working and a true credit to our Swim Academy team.