1st Swim School Ltd

About Us

1st Swim School was founded in 2000 by Philomena Geary to teach swimming to babies and children up to 12 years old. Phil is one of the most experienced swim teachers in Sussex- indeed she has taught many local swim teachers how to teach! She works closely with the STA (Swimming Teachers Association) to help develop their teaching and training methods and runs many of their teacher training courses.

Phil is an expert in teaching even the most nervous child how to enjoy swimming. After all, that’s what it’s all about – learning how to have fun in the water whilst staying safe.

It is 1st Swim School’s philosophy that each child can develop their swimming ability at their own pace. This means classes are restricted to a ratio of four pupils per teacher during the important early stages of learning.

All 1st Swim School teachers are fully ASA/STA qualified, hold lifesaving certificates and have undergone Paediatric First Aid training.

The ability to keep safe in and around water is the main focus of 1st Swim School’s teaching. Knowledge of when it is safe and not safe to enter water, good swimming technique and water skills taught in a fun, non-competitive manner.

In addition to being a well-established small swim school, 1st Swim School is proud of the links it has formed with other swimming organisations both on an international, national and local level.

Our Teaching Team

1st Swim School is privileged to have a teaching team of DBS checked, fully qualified ASA/STA teachers who not only excel in their swimming teaching but also in other areas involved with child activities such as football coaching, elite swimmers, trampoline, Girl Guide association and activities for children with special needs.

The majority of 1st Swim School teachers are trained in either STA or Birthlight Baby and Pre-School methods, giving them a sound grounding in all round child development – a distinct advantage in the tuition of swimming teaching to all ages and abilities.

All teachers joining 1st Swim School must firstly spend time assisting either Philomena or one of the Senior Swimming Teachers in order to become proficient in our gentle but effective approach to learning.