Mullingar Jets members Kevin and David, who recently completed their Level 1 Assistant Swimming Teacher course at Trinity College swimming pool. Kevin and David (in centre of photo wearing green) compete at Swim Ireland Leinster and Special Olympic Swimming Competitions and are keen to support younger swimmers in their club reach their potential.
Tutor Johanna Tilley Rock delivered a bespoke course, with Kevin and David completing their course practical alongside a group of Level 2 Swimming Teachers. Speaking after the course they said, “We enjoyed the course and working with Johanna, she taught us so much and we are great teachers because of all the people who helped us along the way.”
Fellow course candidate Orla Sisson commented on how she benefited from Kevin and David’s participation in the course; “Working with Kevin and David greatly enhanced my experience on this course. From the perspective of a Level 2 teacher, they changed the way I looked at the swimmers in front of me and helped me see things differently than I would have originally. The extra skills, ideas, games and knowledge that I gained from Kevin and David are things that will stay with me for my whole swim teaching career.”
This initiative was supported by Dormant accounts funding provided by Sport Ireland to increase the number of people from diverse and varied backgrounds to become swimming teachers.
Speaking on Kevin and David’s success, Head of Education and Community Aisling McKeever said, “swimming is seen as an inclusive activity, promoted for children and adults with disabilities or additional needs to participate in. We are also keen to show the opportunities that are available to young people and adults who may be interested in becoming a swimming teacher or coach, and that their disability or additional learning needs are not a barrier. Kevin and David are great ambassadors, and we look forward to seeing them work with the next generation of swimmers in their area.”