From Stage Star to Swimming Teacher
At just seven years old, Jess knew she wanted to be an actress—performing has always been her passion. But at 16, she was also practical. Knowing that a steady income isn't always guaranteed in the acting world, Jess decided to follow her other great love: swimming. Training to become a swimming teacher with the Institute of Swimming provided the ideal part-time job to support her studies and emerging acting career.
For Jess, the water has always been home.
"I’ve always been a water baby, I started swimming lessons as a baby and immediately fell in love with being in the water, begging my mum and dad to take me swimming whenever I could. It’s my happy place – along with the stage!”
After two years enjoying the crystal-clear Caribbean sea while living in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jess returned to the UK. She enrolled in a Level 3 Diploma in Acting at college and, at the same time, dove into her swim teacher training.
Diving Into Training: Intense, Hands-On Learning
Jess completed the Institute of Swimming’s Level 1 and Level 2 combined course. It was an intense experience, packed with long days, theory, and, surprisingly, lots of real-life practice.
She admits the learning style was a bit of a shock at first:
"On the very first day, we were thrown in at the deep end teaching lessons. It was a bit of a shock, but actually the best way to learn."
By the second day, however, she felt much more confident, noting that
"Learning in real time with real children made everything click."
The engaging teaching style of her tutor, Ben, was key to the course's success.
"Our tutor, Ben, played a huge part in keeping the course enjoyable. He was so supportive and engaging,"
Jess recalls. The training wasn't just passive listening; it involved plenty of activity, including practising strokes in the classroom, working in groups.
Combining Acting Skills and Teaching
Securing work was easy for Jess, who immediately landed part-time roles at three local swimming providers. She now works Friday evenings and weekend mornings—the perfect schedule to fit around her college studies.
Jess loves the moment a child achieves a new milestone. Recalling a student who was struggling with breaststroke, she says:
"At first he just looked so defeated, like he was ready to give up. I kept breaking it down step by step, giving him little tips, and eventually he got it! The smile on his face was brilliant. He felt so proud and I felt just as proud too."
It turns out her acting training is a huge asset in the pool, too!
"You’ve got to keep the kids entertained and engaged, it’s like putting on a mini show."
She fondly remembers a shy student whose confidence blossomed:
"By the end she was laughing and bouncing around, and her mum said she couldn’t wait to come back. That made me feel so good."
The Benefits of Balance: Pay and Passion
Compared to her friends, who often spend long shifts in shops or cafes for minimal pay, Jess has found the ideal balance. She points out the clear financial advantage:
"My friends are working at least six hours at a time earning £7.55 an hour, while I’m earning triple that per hour!"
But it’s about more than the money. Jess loves that teaching keeps her active, fits perfectly around her acting diploma, and allows her to do something truly meaningful.
"It’s not sitting at a desk or standing behind a till – every lesson is different and every child brings something new. You never know what you’re going to get, but that’s what makes it fun."
For now, she's focused on her college studies, supported by her role in the pool. In the future, Jess hopes to take her swim teacher qualification abroad, possibly teaching while studying at a university in Canada or the US.
Most importantly, she wants to be a memorable mentor.
"You always remember the teachers that made an impact. I’d love to be that person for someone, because swimming is a life-saving, life-changing skill."