Water Lilies Swimming School
FEB
21st
We want you to know that Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd respects the information we hold on you and that we take the security of your information very seriously. This information is not passed on to any third parties and stays within the confines of Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd as a business.
We have published a Privacy Notice to give you more information on the data we hold on you, what we do with that data, who we share your data with and your rights under GDPR.
Click the links below to view the policy and procedure documents:
Data Protection Policy Statement WLSS Ltd Feb 2022
Privacy Policy
Privacy Procedure
Retention of Records
Subject Access Request
JAN
31st
Come and join us in our lovely Birch Farm pool in Hintlesham for our Parent & Baby group swimming classes. Taster sessions are running through February half-term:
Monday 17th Feb at 3pm - for newborn babies, from 6 weeks old.
Tuesday 18th Feb at 3pm - for crawlers!
Wednesday 19th Feb at 3pm - for toddlers.
ONLY £5 and you'll receive a voucher for a free cup of tea/coffee in the Cafe at Birch Farm to enjoy a hot drink after your class!
Creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which you and your baby can learn together!
Swimming is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. You have skin to skin contact, can focus on just you and your baby by singing songs, playing and interacting in a relaxed environment whilst encouraging your baby's free movement in the water.
Our highly qualified instructors are here to support you and create a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which you and your baby can learn together!
To take part, please contact us in the Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd Office to book your place TODAY!
t: 01379 740489 or 07955 550164
e: treacle@waterliliesswim.co.uk
fb @ Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd
NOV
25th
Data Protection law has changed and we want to keep you up to date with the steps Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd is taking.
On the 25th May 2018 the General Data Protection Regulation, known as GDPR, came into effect. GDPR imposes additional obligations on organisations and gives you extra rights around how your data is used.
We want you to know that Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd respects the information we hold on you and that we take the security of your information very seriously. This information is not passed on to any third parties and stays within the confines of Water Lilies Swimming School Ltd as a business.
We have published a Privacy Notice to give you more information on the data we hold on you, what we do with that data, who we share your data with and your new rights under GDPR.
Click the links below to view the policy and procedure documents:
Data Protection Policy Statement WLSS Ltd Feb 2022
Privacy Policy
Privacy Procedure
Retention of Records
Subject Access Request
JUL
12th
Super excited to award the Water Lilies STAR SWIMMER Award to Jona at his lesson in the Flixton/Bungay pool this week! With a lovely clap and cheer from everyone at the pool! Congratulations and well done Jonah!!!!
"Jonah is a delight to teach" explained Claire in her nomination, which stood out to be chosen as the winner of our termly award. As well as always being cheerful and trying his best at every lesson, the Stanley 5 badge swimmer impressed Water Lilies with the progress he made during last term and his fantastic swimming and skills in the water.
We are delighted to award 4 year old Jonah the Water Lilies Star Swimmer trophy!
Congratulations to all of the children who were nominated for the Spring Term Star Swimmer. Certificates have been given out to you all.
AUG
15th
Each term Water Lilies' instructors are invited to nominate those students which have really stood out that term - for their effort, enthusiasm, achievement and more. One of those nominated is awarded our golden Star Swimmer trophy.
The original trophy was donated to the swimming school in 2007 and we have awarded one of our swimmers each term since then. The name plates on the trophy are now full so this year we are now awarding our new new golden trophy! Receiving the Water Lilies' Star Swimmer award is a fantastic achievement especially as we teach over 1500 swimmers each week!
And the winner is...
*** Congratulations to 6 year old Maisie Clarke for all of her hard work. *** This awarded for our Spring Term at Water Lilies Swimming School.
The finalists are...
Congratulations to all the children who were nominated for the Spring Term award and receiving their certificates. Well done!
The finalists are:
Josephine Latter Casas
Harry Payne
Justin King
Fletcher Lord
Oli Woods
Jack Woods
Elijah Holbrough
Rhys Midwinter - TEAM
Cameron Black - TEAM
Zach Salisbury - TEAM
Dylan Trickey - TEAM
Billy Gower
Evie Martin
Angus Bailee
Lily Yaxley
Charlie Fisk
Oliver Dwyer
Isaac Caswell-Jones
Max London
Ted London
Eleanor Fountain
Isla McNamara
Freya Welham
Ria-Mae Brightly
Zac Wilson
Otto Pedder-Smith
Archie Davies
Eleanor Tooke
Abigail Holledge
Niamh Booth
Harry Sinclair
OCT
31st
Huge congratulations to all of the teachers pictured here who took part in the STA qualification courses during October Half term week, hosted by Water Lilies Swimming School in Harleston, Norfolk. 100% success rate, they all passed!
We are delighted to announce that five of our Poolside Assistants from Water Lilies Swimming School have now achieved the STA Swimming Teacher Award following last week's course. Just fantastic!
Well done also to all of the swimming teachers here who joined us for the STA Baby and Pre-school course, and passed too!
THANK YOU to all of the babies, children and parents who took part in the many £2 lessons last week, you were all brilliant too 
Thank you to for the expertise once again from our favourite and highly regarded course tutors Sue and Emie for their excellent guidance leading the courses and the officials from STA. Well done to everyone involved.
We are also delighted to announce even more achievements for some of the Water Lilies Team - ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification achieved by Alli and Assistant Coaching qualification achieved by Laura. Congratulations!
*** CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE ***
NOV
16th
In this issue we find out about Water Lilies' Swimming School Instructor Lousia-Kate Keylock.
"I have been working as a member of the Water Lilies team since the summer. I am mainly based at Quidenham but also visit Redlingfield and Fressingfield. It's been lovely meeting you all and thank you for making me feel so welcome! I am so enjoying my return to teaching and break away from working full-time whilst studying for a NEBOSH Health & Safety Diploma.
I have been involved with swimming since the age of 16 years when I qualified as a Lifeguard at Diss Swim & Fitness Centre. I have been a Swimming Instructor since I was 18 years old. This enabled me to fund a Gap Year working in Hong Kong at an Outward Bound school and also help pay my way through college and university where I studied fine art photography.
For the past 11 years I have been employed in various roles within the leisure industry: Service Manager; Duty Manager; RLSS Lifeguard Trainer Assessor and Health & Safety Co-ordinator.
In 2012, my childhood dreams came true! I was fortunate enough to work at the London 2012 Olympics in the press operations team based in the Aquatic Centre where I got to meet and chaperone my swimming heroes - Michael Phelps, Mark Foster, Greg Louganis, Tom Daley...!!
I also took some time out from my career in 2013 to work as a volunteer Project Manager for the charity Raleigh International in Tanzania, Africa. I had the adventure of a lifetime and was involved with working on environmentally sustainable projects based in the rainforest and rural villages. I spent time trekking across the beautiful Southern Highlands living and working with tribes such as the Masai and HeHe tribes.
When I'm not hopping and splashing about in a Water Lilies' pond, I enjoy running and road cycling and am often training to compete in a road race or half-marathon. Florence in Italy is the next run destination on my list!"
JUL
01st
Announcing the winner and nominated children for Water Lilies' Woolnough Trophy
We are delighted to share the news that Adara has been chosen a Star Swimmer at Water Lilies Swimming School!
She takes home Water Lilies' golden trophy - called the Woolnough Trophy - which has been given to one star swimmer each term at Water Lilies since 2007.
This is a fantastic achievement and also extra brilliant because we teach over 1,500 children. Our instructors are invited to nominate just 2 of their students each for the termly award.
Adara swims at our Bungay pool. Her instructor Claire nominated Adara for the Spring 2016 award.
"My recommendation has to be Adara Shipp-White. When I started to teach her she was Goldfish 1 and has now moved up to Angelfish and has swum 200m with ease.
She always listens and tries her hardest with all her strokes and she is good at them all. She is so keen and eager to learn, is polite and very friendly. A real pleasure to teach.”
Amara’s name will now be engraved the trophy and she can take this home until we award next term’s winner. congratulatisn Adara!
Congratulations to all of the Water Lilies swimmers in this list who were nominated by their Instructors for their effort, achievement and progress during the January - March 2016 Term.
JUN
30th
Water Lilies Swimming School celebrates a successful event at its 4th annual swimming gala!
Held in the Archbishop Sancroft High School pool in Harleston, Norfolk, Water Lilies hosted another brilliant swimming gala for its students on Saturday 21st May 2016. The swimming school invited its students working on their STA Angelfish Level 1 badge and above providing an opportunity to experience competitive swimming outside of their normal lessons. In its 4th year, the Water Lilies' gala was the largest yet with over 150 race entries and all the children who took part gave 110% with fantastic effort and achievement.
Water Lilies' new competitive swimming club 'Harleston Stingrays' were also invited to take part in the swimming gala.
"Well done Water Lilies for a fantastic well organised Gala, everything ran smoothly and like clockwork. A massive thank you to everyone involved. Louise had an amazing time and is very pleased with what she achieved." said Mum Nicola.
With a team of parent helpers as race time keepers and Water Lilies' instructors and poolside assistants volunteering, the event was exciting and everyone from the spectators to the 50 children taking part had a great afternoon. All the children received an achievement certificate with their times recorded. A charity raffle was also run to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
7 year old Molly said: "I am very proud of winning my race!"
Water Lilies' Instructor Nicky said:"It was fun. I certainly enjoyed helping and watching how well the children did. Well done to all involved!"
"Alfie had a great time at his 1st swimming gala, looking forward to beating his times next time!" said Mum Lynsey
Congratulations to everone who took part.
Look forward to seeing you all at our 2017 Swimming Gala!
JUN
24th
It's easy to register online to access your free Water Lilies' parent portal in which you can view the progress of your child or children at the click of a button!
Chech which badges and certificates have been issued, and which ones you have ordered. See your booked lesssons. Read notes from your instructor. View the goals of the current bagde yoru child is working towards to see what is coming up and what they have already achieved.
Click here to register
JUN
24th
Lauching the recent national Water Safety Week, the STA's President Richard Timms said: 
"Enjoying water – whether at a beach or in a swimming pool on holiday or taking a relaxing walk along a canal or river – is one of life’s pleasures but it’s important that people of all ages understand how to be safe in and around water, especially at this time of year with summer approaching.
For families who will be preparing to go on holiday, it is important that children understand the Water Safety Code. To help with the learning process, we’ve created a free downloadable water safety booklet.
The 24-page booklet, which has been launched for National Water Safety Week, features fun puzzles and activities to teach children how to stay safe in the pool and in the sea, as well as general water safety awareness in different environments and potential hazards,
added Richard.
Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous; learn to spot and keep away from dangers. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you’d be able to swim in cold water outside.
Special flags and notices may warn you of danger. Know what the signs mean and do what they tell you.
Children should always go with an adult, not by themselves. An adult may be able to point out dangers or help if someone gets into trouble.
You may be able to yourself and others if you know what to do in an emergency.
FEB
29th
Congratulations to all the children nominated for the Woolnough Trophy!
Each term Water Lilies Swimming School instructors nominate two 'Star Swimmers' for their effort, enthusiasm and achievement throughout the term.
The Woolnough Trophy was donated to Water Lilies Swimming School in 2007 and we have awarded the trophy to one of our swimmers every term since.
Winning the Trophy is a great achievement as we teach over 1,400 children.
And the winner is...
We are delighted to announce that the Autumn 2015 Term winner is Ewan Lennard who swims with Water Lilies Swimming School in the Flixton Road Bungay pool. Congratulations Ewan!
Ewan was nominated by his instructor Lucie, she explains:
”Ewan has made great strides with his technique that makes me regard him as a Water Lilies ‘Star Swimmer’. He listens well, tries hard and has seen the results this term. Well done Ewan - we’re really impressed.”
Mr McKinney, Headmaster at Old Henstead School is presenting Ewan with the Water Lilies’ golden trophy during his school assembly.
Well done to all of the children who were nominated for the Woolnough Trophy - recognising their effort and achievement during the 2015 Autumn Term. We are delighted to announce the following children are finalists, congratulations to you all. A certificate is coming your way!
Trophy Finalists
Alexander Johnson
Amelie Womack
Amy Clevely
Archie Noble
Bradley Lambert
Edward Walpole
Harriet Rush
Harry Lee
Isla Hinds
Kerensa Chapple
Leo Brooks
Lewis Barnes
Millie Abbott
Millie Seaman
Milly Owen
Nathaniel Nakamoto
Oliver Blinkhorn
Phoebe Phillips
Richard Edmunds
Sam Elliot
Seren Blades
Zach Salisbury
MAR
02nd
In this issue, we find out all about Teresa “Treacle” Griffin, Water Lilies Swimming School founder / owner / instructorIn 2007, Treacle launched Water Lilies Swimming School. Prior to that Treacle had been a duty manager and swimming instructor for many major pools in the area and decided to start her own swimming school. Today, Treacle has 24 years as a qualified swimming teacher under her belt and Water Lilies Swimming School is teaching over 1,200 babies, children and adults to swim each week.
The STA presented Treacle the coveted national Sir Henry Pike Award in 2013 for "outstanding contribution to water safety and swimming education”.
Treacle says:
“I have always had a great passion for sport and perhaps should have perused her career as a PE teacher? I have played hockey since I was 15 and when I was younger played hockey at county level for Norfolk many times. I still enjoy a good match and love to captain a team - I am 4th team hockey captain for the Harleston Magpies Hockey Club and have a brilliant team of players who really give it their all, whatever the weather!
“After working at various large leisure centres as duty manager and teacher years ago I felt there was a need for a more personal style of teaching, and also the need to provide lessons for children in small groups. So, I started teaching at friends’ private pools and teaching friends’ children. My lessons started to get more and more popular so that’s when I started up Water Lilies Swimming School in 2007. The school quickly grew and I was able offer more classes and use more pools. By 2010, there was so much interest in the lessons and the swim school that I was joined by four instructors. And today, we offer classes six days a week with 21 instructors, across eight private pools in Norfolk and Suffolk.
“I do love teaching and get in the pool as often as I can. But as the swim school has grown so too have my office based hours managing and coordinating operations, which I also love. I am often the one on the end of the phone if you ring! I am still in my pyjamas writing this as I am glued to my computer as we get started with the re-enrolments for next term. I am thrilled that we are able to welcome so many local swimmers. Water Lilies Swimming School now teaches more than 1,200 children, babies and adults per week. We will do everything that we can to ensure you receive the best possible tuition and a great experience and to enable all those who wish to join in to take part too.
“Providing the best possible water safety education, helping children and adults to get active, stay fit and healthy and learn these vital life skills are at the heart of what we do. I was very honoured to be awarded the Sir Henry Pike Award from the STA last year. And in 2013, Water Lilies Swimming School was invited to be part of the STA's Swim Star Swim School programme for independent schools - assuring you of the highest standards in teaching, training and customer service.
“I do love what I do and thank everyone who works with me and supports me. Thank you too to my son Jake who is now 21 and my fiancé Darrin who support me all the way.
“Thank you for swimming with Water Lilies Swimming School, see you in the pool!”
MAR
02nd
Congratulations to all the children nominated for the Autumn Term 2014 trophy
Each term Water Lilies Swimming School instructors nominate two children for their enthusiasm and achievement throughout the term.
The Woolnough Trophy was donated to Water Lilies Swimming School in 2007 and we have awarded the trophy to one of our swimmers every term since.
Winning the Trophy is a great achievement as we teach over 1,200 children.
And the winner is...
We are delighted to announce the September - December 2014 term winner is Lucas Foreman who swims with Water Lilies Swimming School in the Bungay pool. Congratulations Lucas!
We will be presenting Lucas with his award at his school sharing assembly! More details coming soon..
Well done to all of the children who were nominated for the Woolnough Trophy - recognising their effort and achievement during the Autumn 2014 term. We are delighted to announce the following children are runners up, congratulations to you all:
Lilia Lucas
Esme Roffey
Anna Meade
Fraya Talbot
Zack Hills-Brown
Francesca Hedley
Toby Henderson
Arya Johnson
Alice Ling
Ethan Williams
Riley Croker
George Seaman
Adam Barber
Thea Jackson
Nyree Cambell
Freddie Whimhurst
Samual Crofton Sleigh
Billie Forrest
Max Hinton
Max Deeley
FEB
08th
Still time to take another look!
If you wish to purchase, order more, or just re-view your photos taken during our photoshoot before Christmas, please get in touch with our lovely photographer Amy.
All photos will be kept on file by Underwater Portraits By Amy until the 1st April 2015.
Please note: after the 1st April, the photos will no longer be available.
DEC
09th
Due to high demand, we have extended the expiry date on the viewing galleries for the photoshoot! They will now remain open for purchases until the 24th December.
Please note any orders made now, will not be delivered until the New Year.
If you require pictures before Christmas, instant digital downloads are available and once purchased will be sent immediately to your PC.
A message from Amy Pilkington: "Many Thanks to all who have purchased their photos already. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
This term's photoshoot has been a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. A special thank you to our professional photographer Amy Pilkington.
Everyone has been sent an email with a personal viewing password. Sometimes the emails get sent to spam boxes. If you have not recieved your email it may have gone into spam, in this case please contact Amy via email to: amy@underwaterportraitsyamy.co.uk In this email please inlclude: name of child & parent, location, time and day of swimming lesson.
Update: The viewing gallery will expire on 24th December 2014. Please note any orders made now, will not be delivered until the New Year.
If you are short on time, don't forget you can buy digital downloads which download straight away to your home computer - then you can print and use them as you wish.
We hope you enjoy your photographs! Merry Christmas x
BLOG UPDATED: 17 Dec 2014
NOV
27th
Every term we introduce two of our Water Lilies Swimming School instructors. This term we find out more about Sarah Milne and Matt Marshall. Read their profiles here!
A summary of each is also in our November/December newsletter – out now!
"Hi my name is Sarah, I am 28 years old, and have two children. I have been a Water Lilies Swimming School swimming instructor for just over a year. I have over six years teaching experience and have worked at numerous pools in and around Norwich. I started off working as a Lifeguard and fell in love with teaching when I was asked to assist a lesson. I then went on to gain my ASA level 1 and 2 teaching qualifications.
This year, I have gone onto gain the STA baby and pre school qualification as well as Birthlight Aquanatal Yoga. I have always had a great interest in exercise in pregnancy and am looking to continue gaining qualifications so that I can go on to offer classes for postnatal, back ache, obesity, MS and many more.
I currently teach at Quidenham, Harleston and Bush Green. I thoroughly enjoy teaching with Water Lilies Swimming School and feel very proud to be part of such an exceptional swim school."
“Hi I'm Matt. I am 32 years old and have seven children (so hopefully child friendly by now).
My oldest has been swimming with Water Lilies Swimming School for about eight years now, which is how I know Treacle and the gang.
Originally from Birmingham, I learnt to swim with school - earning myself a free pass to the local swimming pool. From there I taught myself by watching the Olympic swimmers and other swimmers at the pool.
Teaching swimming is a new career path for me and after receiving my STA teacher qualification, this year I started working for Water Lilies Swimming School. And I love every minute of it. The role is so rewarding. I cherish every child’s achievement and I am proud to be a part of it.”
NOV
24th
Congratulations to all the children nominated for the Summer Term 2014 trophy
Each term our instructors nominate two children for their enthusiasm and achievement throughout the term. The Woolnough Trophy was donated to Water Lilies Swimming School in 2007 and we have awarded the trophy to one of our swimmers every term since. Winning the Trophy is a great achievement as we teach over 1,000 children.
We are delighted to announce the May-August 2014 term winner is Dominic Wilkinson who swims with Water Lilies Swimming School in the Shelfanger pool. Congratulations Dominic!
Amanda Barrett, Dominic's instructor said:
"I nominated Dominic for his hard work and great progress throughtout the term, he really deserves this Award! Dominic's confidence has grown and grown and he has worked so hard to overcome his worries in the water. I am extremely impressed that he has progressed now into the STA Anglefish group. Well done Dominic!"
Hannah Cooke from Water Lilies Swimming School presented the golden trophy to Dominic during his school assembly. Dominic enjoyed coming up to receive his trophy and certificate, Mum was there too - it was a complete surprise!
Well done to all of the children who were nominated for the Woolnough Trophy - recognising their effort and achievement during the Summer 2014 term. We are delighted to announce the following children are runners up, congratulations to you all.
Authur Thompson
Kiera St Claire
Amelie Woodley
Reuben Woodley
Bethany Pallister
Eloise Morran
Imogen Bowen
Finlay Vyse
Archie Ponting
Zak Parsons
Mollie Chadwick
Isla Bersely
William Chapman
Joseph Chapple
Libby Wynn-Fraine
George Bunn
Rosie Healsy
Maria Barbu
Cassian Parravani
Crystal Tudor
Amie Seaman
Charlotte Green
Joshua Hayes
Sophie Shelley
Honeysuckle Bourne
Thomas Cole
Roman Ainge
Francesca Gibbons
NOV
24th
This term's photoshoot has been a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. A special thank you to our professional photographer Amy Pilkington.
All photographs are now ready to view and purchase.
Everyone has been sent an email with a personal viewing password. Sometimes the emails get sent to spam boxes. If you have not recieved your email it may have gone into spam, in this case please contact Amy via email to: amy@underwaterportraitsyamy.co.uk In this email please inlclude: name of child & parent, location, time and day of swimming lesson.
Every effort will be made to get your orders to you in time for Christmas. If you are short on time, don't forget you can buy digital downloads which download straight away to your home computer - then you can print and use them as you wish.
We hope you enjoy your photographs!
JUL
07th
Congratulations to all the children nominated for the Spring Term 2014 trophy Each term our instructors nominate two children for their enthusiasm and achievement throughout the term. The Woolnough Trophy was donated to Water Lilies Swimming School in 2007 and we have awarded the trophy to one of our swimmers every term since. Winning the Trophy is a great achievement as we teach over 1,000 children.
We are delighted to announce the January–April 2014 term winner is Chloe Goodswen who swims with Water Lilies Swimming School in the Harleston pool. Congratulations Chloe!
Rhian Earrye, Chloe's instructor said:
"I nominated Chloe for her commitment and dedication to her swimming. From week to week Chloe remembers all teaching points and is keen to work hard and improve her swimming, proving herself as a great listener. She comes to classes with a positive attitude, setting an example to other members of the swim school. We are currently working towards her first Angelfish badge, having passed her Personal Survival with flying colours. An overall joy to teach."
The owner of Water Lilies Swimming School, Treacle Griffin, and Chloe’s instructor Rhian Earrye joined Hannah Cooke in presenting Chloe with her award during the school assembly on Friday. Chloe's Mum and Dad were there too - it was a great surprise! Picture coming soon...
Well done to all of the children who were nominated for the Woolnough Trophy - recognising their effort and achievement during the Spring 2014 term. We are delighted to announce the following children are runners up, congratulations to you all.
Edward King
Matthew Oakin
Leo Brooks
Ava McPhile
Amelie Brousson
Annabel Birtchnall
Oakley Palmer
Jennifer Allen
Leo Rowland
George Seaman
Holly Brice
Ella Devereux
Keeley Clarke
Iris Theobold
Charlie Barker
Louis Gardener
Jack Farrington
Violet Davies
James Newstead
Lucy Emsden
Ewan Staniforth.
JUL
07th
"I am 59 years old and a Father to three girls and a boy. I am also a Grandfather of two boys.
I was brought up in Chile, Trinadad and Singapore. I remember being taught swimming by a very large Australian called Johnnie Johnson. He as a teacher sowed the seed that has given me my love of swimming. It would be nice to be remembered for the same reason.
When I first qualified as an art teacher I taught at a special school in Guildford. They had a lovely swimming pool. As a staff we trained so that we could teach our own classes swimming. I loved it. I could see the children's confidence grow. Their progress was clear to see.
I have been teaching with Water Lilies Swimming School for about two and a half years now. I retrained as a swim teacher when I found out that the Middle School I taught at was going to be closed. I began covering the odd lesson while I was still teaching and have continued since.
I have a passion for anything swim, cycle or run and have competed in many triathlons, aquathlons, duathlons, swim and run events. In 2012, I qualified for - and competed - the World Duathlon Championships in Nancy, France.
I am very lucky to have the time to swim every morning at Beccles Lido. I still can't help but look at the other swimmers technique. Do all swimming teachers do this? I think so."
”Ironically I was the child in school who didn’t particularly want to go to swimming lessons. While all the others lined up excitedly I would rather stay in the classroom and draw!
I grew up very close to the beach in an hotel in Eastbourne and went with my family to Spain often. My friend’s mum taught me to swim in the sea. So although I had learnt to swim and enjoyed the pool, I didn’t enjoy the large classes and structure of school swimming lessons. Nor did I particularly like getting my face wet.
I moved to Suffolk when I was 20. When my eldest daughter was born 21 years ago I could not wait to take her swimming and she loved it. I have three children and regularly took them to the local pool. By this time, my parents were living in France so summer holidays were spent there and in the pool every day.
Six years ago I received a phone call from Treacle. We were friends already and she knew I was a competent swimmer and really enjoyed working with children. However it was a big surprise when she asked me if I fancied training as a swimming instructor. Immediately I agreed and started my training.
I am so lucky to have found a career that is so rewarding and I feel that my experience of swimming lessons as a child has made me a more sympathetic instructor. I love the fact that the Water Lilies Swimming School classes are small and building up a rapport with the children certainly contributes to their success. A lovely warm pool is an added benefit!
The water is a big part of my life now. I recently completed a 5K Swimathon for charity and still swim regularly with my grown up children. I even lifeguard alongside my son and he has recently qualified as an instructor so it has become a family affair.
I am looking forward to becoming a granny in a few years time and have already pledged to teach all my grandchildren to swim as it is such and important and pleasurable sport.”
JUN
30th
We had a great time at Harleston Primary School's fete this Saturday. At the Water Lilies Swimming School stand Treacle and Hannah spoke to lots interested families about the swimming classes, private tuition and Adult Swim Active that we run. We are now busy booking in lots of new swimmers this week and look forward to welcoming them to classes soon!
The fete was a great success with fab displays from the school's dance troops and an impressive 'conga' from the Brownies. We were wowed by the Fire Engine, Police and Rapid Response teams and some gruesome pretent wounds - facepainting took a new dimension!! Well done to everyone involved in the Fete.
We were also able to display some of the fantastic Zoggs products that we sell via the Water Lilies Swimming School online shop including the brilliant range of Peppa Pig & George accessories: goggles, inflatable noodles (perfect for your summer holiday!), kick board and swimming hats. Take a look at our online shop here!
Don't forget to pop along to your local fete or summer activity in the coming weeks - support your local community and have a great time doing it!
MAR
18th
Just £2 per 30 minute lesson with STA trainee instructors: 14-17th April 2014 - book your place today!
We are offering cut price lessons for children who are working towards their STA Stanley, Octopus and Goldfish badges to be taught as part of Water Lilies Swimming School's STA swimming teacher training in April.
The children will get their usual high quality lesson as all trainee teachers will have their plans and lessons assessed.
We are booking now for the following half hour sessions: 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm & 3.30pm
The lessons are being taught in the Archbishop Sancroft School Pool, Harleston. Directions and more details can be found here.
All places must be pre-booked through the Water Lilies Swimming School office.
Contact us to find out more and to book your place!
Call: 01728 628731 or 07919 108646
Email: treacle@waterliliesswim.co.uk
www.waterliliesswim.co.uk
The STA Level 2 Swimming Teaching Award is a great introduction to becoming a swimming teacher. Spaces are still available on the forthcoming course: 14-17th April 2014. Click here to read our blog for more information - course details, price and booking information.
This swimming qualification is a great introduction to a career in swimming teaching - earn extra money and work hours that suit you, whilst educating children about water safety and the enjoyment of learning to swim.
If you have any queries or question, please give us a call or an email and we'll be happy to discuss this with you! See our contact details above...
FEB
11th
Water Lilies Swimming School is booking now for the STA Level 2 Teaching Award. The course hosted by Water Lilies Swimming School is running in April 2014 at the Archbishop Sancroft Pool in Harleston.
This STA Award will enable you to teach up to 10 beginners and deliver the STAnley Series of awards, as well as the Octopus and Goldfish Series of the STA’s international Learn to Swim Programme. You may also act as an assistant swimming teacher and can teach larger classes or advanced skills under the direct supervision of a swimming teacher qualified to certificate level. To find out more about the Award and the STA, click here
Water Lilies Swimming School is booking now for the STA Level 2 Teaching Award
To book your place call 01728 628731 or email treacle@waterliliesswim.co.uk
Please note, there are a few pre-requisites to be able to attend:
MAR
16th
We are running a Baby Swimming CPD on 3rd April 2012 in conjunction with the STA at Oaklands Leisure Pool, Bungay. If you are interested in joining this course please contact 01728 628731.
MAR
13th
We are holding a RLSS National Teacher Rescue Course on 12th April 2012 at Oaklands Leisure Pool, Flixton Road, Bungay. To book your place or for more information call us on 01728 628731 or 07919108646.
JUN
19th
We are holding a RLSS National Teacher Rescue Course on 23rd and 25th July 2011 at Oaklands Leisure Pool, Flixton Road, Bungay. To book your place or for more information call us on 01728 628731 or 07919108646.
MAR
31st
With your help and generousity we raised a total of £80.53 for Comic Relief. Well done!!
MAR
30th
Now booking at Waveney River Centre Pool, Burgh St Peter, Beccles
for Summer Term starting 26 April 2011
Baby & Parent, Toddler & Parent, Under 5’s Lessons, School Age Lessons, Development Squad, Children & Adult Private Tuition, Ladies only sessions, Disability/Special Needs, to name but a few!!!!
The indoor, heated pool has excellent changing facilities and a café!
TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST OR BOOK YOUR PLACE – CONTACT US ON:
t: 01728 628731 m: 07919 108646 or 07798 841395
e: treacle@waterliliesswim.co.uk w: www.waterliliesswim.co.uk
MAR
12th
Wear your Red Nose at your swimming lesson - Mon 14th March to Sat 19th March inclusive and raise money for Comic Relief.
Collection boxes will be at each pool.
MAR
09th
Mondays 12.30 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.
Prior booking and payment required
In our ladies only sessions we aim to have small groups in lanes of ranging abilities. For those that just like to swim lanes, those that would like to improve fitness or for those who would like to perfect a technique our instructors will be poolside with helpful hints to aid your individual needs should you require it.
MAR
09th
Book your Under 5's lessons at
Redlingfield, Holton,
Fressingfield, Badingham,
Walpole, Framlingham, Shelfanger & Oaklands Leisure, Flixton Road, Bungay
NOV
01st
We have launched our new website with loads of information on Water Lilies Swimming School together with our new online swimming shop. In the near future we will also be launching our new online booking system for lessons at pools across Norfolk and Suffolk.
OCT
30th
Trevor Fuller and his brother Alistair have for many years farmed a herd at Oaklands Farm, in Flixton Road.
Now, the entrepreneurial family has decided to branch out by building a swimming pool at the farm and opening it to the public.
The pool is fully under cover and includes spacious changing facilities, showers and toilets.
The Fullers plan to open it in the next couple of weeks, and bookings are already being taken.
Penny Fuller, an occupational therapist, said: “My husband Trevor and his brother Alistair have run a dairy herd here for years.
“With the farming industry facing tough times, they started looking for alternative uses for the farm buildings.
“We were successful in getting planning permission several years ago to convert the farm buildings into a small complex. The idea was to create self-catering holiday units with use of a new pool.
“The pool has come first, and we are hoping to convert the buildings in the future.”
Mrs Fuller said building the pool had not been straightforward. “Because we are on marshland a lot of engineering went into the base so it could withstand changes in the water table,” she explained.
The pool is open to all and has access for people with disabilities making it accessible to everybody!
The family is also working with Water Lilies Swimming School to provide a range of individual and small-group swimming classes tailored to suit.
Also planned are classes such as aquarobics, Pilates aquarobics and baby-and-toddler sessions.
The pool is being run on a pre-booked basis, with half-hour swimming slots. The pool is designed for a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight in the pool at any time for safety purposes.
The pool measures 9m by 12m and is deep enough for people to swim lengths and do tumble turns.
“I think people now recognise that healthy activities are really necessary in life and it is important to find yourself a bit of calm in a hectic world,” said Mrs Fuller.
“Everybody who walks in and has a look at the pool is quite impressed. It is beautiful, and you can see right across the marshland.”
More details at www.oaklandsleisure.co.uk.
OCT
01st
If you think your child would benefit from an extra boost or would like to perfect a technique, why not book a/some private lessons during the October Half-Term @ Badingham, Walpole or Shelfanger!
1:1 or 2:1 of the same swimming level
Prior booking and payment required
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