Meet Tracie – Lead Swimming Instructor at Swim-With-Me

Tracie is the founder of Swim-With-Me, our most experienced swimming instructor, with nearly three decades of teaching experience. She has helped thousands of swimmers build confidence, learn essential water safety skills, and develop strong swimming technique.

Delivering swimming lessons in Colchester, swimming lessons in Clacton, and swimming lessons in Cheshunt, Tracie specialises in creating a supportive, nurturing environment for all swimmers, particularly in baby swimming lessons and children’s swimming lessons.

Get to Know Tracie

How did you first get into swimming or teaching swimming?
I first got into swimming teaching when I was taking my children to lessons in London. I spent hours poolside and started helping out as a spotter. I was then encouraged to qualify as a teacher, and from there my passion grew. After moving to Essex, Swim-With-Me was born.
How long have you been teaching swimming lessons?
Since April 1997.
What qualifications or certifications do you hold?
I hold a wide range of qualifications, including Swim England Level 1 & 2 Teaching, coaching certifications, STA Baby & Preschool teaching, teaching swimmers with disabilities, and Internal Quality Assurance (Level 4), alongside multiple safety and safeguarding certifications.
What do you enjoy most about being a swimming instructor?
I love being able to pass on my knowledge and help someone learn a skill that could not only save their life but also allow them to enjoy the water in so many ways.
What motivates you to teach swimming?
Knowing that what I teach is a life-saving skill.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the joy on a swimmer’s face when they achieve something new.
Do you have a favourite memory from teaching?
One moment that stands out is teaching a young child an important safety skill, jumping in, turning, and returning to the side. Not long after, she fell into a pond and used exactly what she had learned to stay safe and call for help.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Nurturing confidence through expert, hands-on teaching, patient, positive, and tailored to each swimmer.
What makes your lessons different?
I focus on quality over quantity, building strong relationships with swimmers and placing a huge emphasis on water confidence and safety skills.
How do you help nervous swimmers feel comfortable?
I take things at their pace, building trust first. With younger swimmers, I use fun, games, and familiar movements to help them relax and enjoy the learning process.
What’s your approach to helping children build confidence?
Step-by-step, always calm, reassuring, and understanding.
What’s the most important skill for a swimmer to learn first?
Water confidence and safety.
What do you enjoy outside of swimming?
I love travelling, spending time with family, and learning about different cultures.
Fun fact about you?
If I weren’t a swimming instructor, I’d be a racing car driver!

Where Tracie Teaches

Tracie delivers high-quality swimming lessons across:

Her lessons include baby swimming lessons and children’s swimming lessons, all delivered with a strong focus on confidence and safety.

Start Your Swimming Journey with Tracie

If you’re looking for a caring, highly experienced swimming instructor, Tracie is here to help your child feel confident and safe in the water. Book your lessons with Swim-With-Me today and experience the difference a supportive, expert-led approach can make.

Book a Lesson Today