Being a home-visiting swimming instructor in London is a unique and rewarding job, but it comes with its own set of challenges and quirks. From navigating the bustling streets on a motorbike to drying off and changing multiple times a day, there’s never a dull moment. Let me take you through a typical day in my life, and perhaps you’ll see why I love what I do, despite the occasional soggy socks and traffic jams.
Hitting the road
My day starts early, but not with a swim. Instead, it’s all about preparation as a swimming instructor.
I check my schedule, pack my bag with essential swimming gear—kickboards, pull buoys, goggles, and a few fun toys for the little ones. I also make sure my phone is charged for tracking progress and navigating through the city.
By mid-morning, I’m on my motorbike, weaving through London’s traffic. The motorbike is a lifesaver, allowing me to zip through congested streets and make the best use of my time. It’s a bit of a thrill, but also a necessity. After all, London traffic waits for no one, especially after school pick-up time.
The calm before the storm
The early part of the day is relatively calm. I might have a lesson or two with younger children who aren’t in school yet.
These sessions are a joy—seeing a toddler’s face light up when they realise they can float is priceless. But I know the calm won’t last. By 3:30 PM, the real hustle begins.
Once the school bell rings, it’s go-time. Parents are eager to get their kids into the pool, and I’m eager to teach them.
This is when the traffic gets intense, and my motorbike skills are put to the test. I often joke that navigating London traffic is like an extreme sport—one that requires as much focus as swimming itself.
The wet and dry cycle of swimming instructor
Teaching back-to-back lessons can be exhausting. Each child is different, and I need to regenerate my energy for each session. Whether it’s a nervous beginner or an aspiring competitive swimmer, I have to be at my best.
A quick snack or a sip of water between lessons helps, but the real challenge is staying mentally sharp and enthusiastic.
One of the quirks of my job is the constant cycle of getting wet, drying off, and changing clothes. On a busy day, I might do this up to eight times.
It’s a bit like being a superhero—one minute I’m in my swimming gear, the next I’m back in my street clothes, ready to hop on my motorbike and head to the next lesson. I’ve become quite the expert at quick changes, though I do sometimes end up with a soggy sock or two.
After each lesson, I take a moment to jot down notes on my phone. Tracking each child’s progress is crucial. It helps me tailor future lessons to their needs and ensures that parents are kept in the loop. It’s a small task, but it makes a big difference in the long run.
The warm shower
By the end of the day, I’m usually exhausted and in desperate need of a warm shower. It’s my way of washing off the day’s stress and rejuvenating my body.
There’s something incredibly soothing about standing under the hot water, letting it wash away the chlorine and the fatigue.
Ironically, the last thing I think about after a long day of teaching is swimming for myself. While I love the water, by the time I get home, all I want to do is relax. Maybe watch a bit of telly, have a nice meal, and get ready to do it all over again the next day.
Despite the challenges, being a home-visiting swimming instructor is incredibly rewarding. The joy on a child’s face when they master a new skill, the gratitude from parents, and the satisfaction of knowing I’m making a difference—these are the things that keep me going.
So, while my days might be hectic and my socks occasionally soggy, I wouldn’t trade this job for anything.
And who knows, maybe one day I’ll find the time to swim for myself again. Until then, I’ll keep riding my motorbike through London’s streets, teaching the next generation of swimmers, one lesson at a time.
