Hannah Smith has spent over 30 years in the aquatics industry, building a remarkable career she started volunteering at just 11 years old. Now the National Aquatics Business Manager for Freedom Leisure, she oversees operations for more than 80 sites across England and Wales, including learn-to-swim programs for 65,000 students. Before this, Hannah held various key roles, from a Director at Water Babies to positions with Swim England and UK Coaching.
An Early Start: From Volunteer to Professional
Hannah's career path began when she was just 11 years old, volunteering at her local swimming club in Wiltshire. She recounts,
“When I was 11, I started volunteering at my club to help the younger children develop their skills. I loved it, and when I was 16 I gained my formal swimming teacher and lifeguard qualifications and immediately began paid employment while studying for my A-Levels.”
Working at the pool provided a sense of security and belonging. This early experience made the transition to university smoother, as she was able to continue working in the field she loved.
“Working at the pool always felt like a safe and welcoming environment, and when I went to university it was comforting to be able to pick up aquatics work there too,”
A Rewarding Job for Students
While studying for her degree in Biology and Sports Science at St Mary’s University, Hannah found that working as a swimming teacher was not only enjoyable but also financially beneficial.
“I was studying for my degree… earning around £25 per hour as a swimming teacher, which was no comparison to my friends who were earning very little working antisocial hours in bars.”
Beyond the financial benefits, the job was fulfilling.
“Also, being a swimming teacher is a really fun job, it’s very sociable and in the moment. You can see the impact you are having on your learners. It’s also a positive environment… there are opportunities everywhere,”
A Lifelong Learner: From Teacher to Swim England's Youngest Tutor
Hannah believes her career has been a continuous learning experience.
“Every role has been a stepping stone to my next challenge,”
she says. At just 20, she became the youngest Swim England tutor at the time, helping train the next generation of swimming teachers. This role taught her invaluable lessons about different learning styles. Hannah's experience come from the diverse range of students she worked with, from teenagers to people in their seventies and beyond, including neurodiverse learners.
“I learned so much in that role, especially that not everyone learns or solves problems the same way. Neurodiversity certainly doesn't hinder someone from becoming a fantastic swimming teacher—in fact, many of our most successful instructors bring that different perspective to their teaching,””
The experience also helped her build confidence, overcoming her childhood shyness to become comfortable speaking to large crowds.
A Journey of Opportunities
In addition to her professional career, Hannah has also made time for volunteering as a Technical Official for Open Water Swimming. This role has taken her to prestigious events around the world, including the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Hannah reflects that starting her career early gave her a significant advantage.
“I think the most striking aspect of my aquatics career journey is how early engagement provided such significant advantages. By the time I graduated from university at 21, I already had almost a decade’s experience in teaching and tutoring.”
A Career with a Head Start
For young people considering a career in aquatics, Hannah’s message is clear and encouraging.
“I’d say absolutely go for it. I've loved my career—it has been both fulfilling and financially rewarding,” she says. She stresses that the industry offers valuable work experience that is applicable to any field. Aquatics has shaped who I am today, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly as a career path.”