Meet the team

Matt founded Swims Away Ltd in 2004 and teaches swimmers of all ages and abilities. He qualified as a Level 2 swimming teacher in 1996 and has since qualified in adult and child and disabled swimming, regularly attending CPD courses. He has a background in competitive swimming, with his greatest achievements including swimming at Olympic trials in 1992 and 1996. Matt and his team teach to the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework (Stages 1–7) within the Swims Away programme, offering group and private lessons. He believes we can teach anyone to swim.

Ben is our longest-serving teacher and brings extensive experience to every class. An ex-competition swimmer, he believes strong swimming background helps children progress effectively. His methods are direct but highly effective over time. Ben aims to teach three of the four strokes, the basics of butterfly and core water skills. Children respond well to his approachable style: he gets down to their level, keeps sessions enjoyable, and helps them try harder in every lesson.

Becky qualified as a Level 2 swimming teacher in 2009. She holds an NVQ Level 3 childcare qualification and has qualified as a Level 4 Nursery Manager. She teaches adult, child and parent-and-baby group lessons, private lessons and link groups for swimming clubs. Becky swam competitively for 12 years and competed at national level. She was swimming co-ordinator at David Lloyd Bolton for four years and previously worked in a nursery, giving her wide experience with children of all ages. Becky teaches at Health Hub Sharples and supports Matt in the Swims Away office.

Emily started swimming at three years old and joined Bolton Swimming Club in 2012. She became a young volunteer, qualified as a Level 1 coach and continued helping at Bolton Swimming Club. She joined Swims Away in 2017 as an assistant swimming teacher and qualified as a Level 2 swimming teacher in August 2019.

Thomas has swum for his whole life, training for City of Salford Swim Squad and Bolton Swimming Club. He has competed at county and regional galas across the country and brings that competitive experience to his teaching.

I am a level 2 swimming teacher. I have loved swimming from an early age, having swimming lessons with SwimsAway from being a baby to competing for Blackburn Centurions swimming club. I would now like to teach young people how to swim as well as improving confidence and having lots of fun along the way.

Lucy learned to swim with Swims Away with Matt and went on to compete for Blackburn at Lancashire county and regional level. She still enjoys competing and is delighted to share her love for the sport, teaching and passing on the knowledge she has gained.

Jack learned at Swims Away before moving through Bolton Swimming Club and City of Salford, reaching county and regional level. He loved those years of swimming and hopes to encourage more children to start their own swimming journey.

Emily began swimming at five with Radcliffe Swimming Club, then joined City of Salford and reached regional level by 11. She was selected for Swim England national talent at 13 and competed in county and regional competitions and arena league. She retired from competing at 14 to focus on teaching and loves supporting children through the same journey she completed.

Codie is a qualified Level 2 swimming teacher with Swims Away, teaching across our Greater Manchester venues.

Alfie started with Water Babies at 10 weeks old and moved to Swims Away at four, progressing through to advanced swimming lessons. Although he did not pursue competition, he loves being in the water and hopes to pass on the confidence and enjoyment swimming has given him.

Lilly has swum for many years and has experience helping younger children build confidence in the water. She also enjoys dance and gymnastics and is excited to encourage children to swim with Swims Away.

I have been swimming since I was three years old, and there is nothing I love more than being in the water. I have been part of the Swims Away team for many years, and they have been a brilliant team to work with. During this time, I have gained valuable experience working with children of a variety of ages and abilities, which has further developed my passion for working with children. Alongside my studies, I am currently completing my Level 2 Swimming Teacher training, which will allow me to become a fully qualified swimming instructor. Having the opportunity to help children learn to swim is incredibly rewarding. Swimming is not only an enjoyable activity, but also an invaluable life skill, and I am proud to be able to help children develop their confidence and abilities in the water. I can’t wait to see you around the poolside and help you on your swimming journey!

Blake has swum since he was three. He joined Swims Away as an assistant swimming teacher and is proud to help children learn to swim and develop skills they will use for life.