Meet our instructors: Chris Arnold and Sara Tovell

Meet our instructors

Every term we introduce you to two of our Water Lilies Swimming School instructors. This term we find out more about Chris Arnold and Sara Tovell. Read their profiles here.

A summary of each is also in our July 2014 Newletter – out now!

Christopher Arnold

"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."

Sara Tovell

”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.”

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