Meet our swimming teacher

Meet Jane, one of our most dedicated swimming teachers!

A life in water: Jane’s journey
Hello, I’m Jane, a swimming instructor at Ferndown Leisure Centre since 1999. As I embark on my 27th year here, I reflect on a lifetime spent in and around water.
 
A passion for swimming
My journey as a swim instructor began when my son, David, started swimming competitively. He reached national level, which led me to become a judge and timekeeper. Teaching soon became my passion, and I’ve loved helping swimmers of all ages build confidence in the water.
 
Growing up around water
My childhood was spent near the sea, growing up as an expat in Libya, Italy, and Indonesia. Whether exploring the beaches of the Mediterranean or swimming in outdoor pools in Sumatra, water has always been central to my life. Even at school in Singapore, our swimming pool was our second home.
 
Discovering scuba diving
Despite my love for the water, I didn’t start scuba diving until 2011—something I now regret not doing sooner! I learned to dive in the UK, completing my certifications before heading to Bali and the Gili Islands, where I fell in love with tropical diving. My first dive included an unforgettable encounter with a reef shark, and since then, I’ve travelled the world to dive with Tiger Sharks in the Maldives, seals off Lundy Island, and an incredible variety of marine life in Indonesia, the Caribbean, and beyond. Although I prefer warmer waters, I still dive in the UK during the summer months. Many people are surprised by the rich marine life found along our coast—lobsters, cuttlefish, conger eels, and even the elusive John Dory make every dive an adventure. Some of my best UK dives have been shore dives from local beaches.
 
The best dive? Impossible to choose!
One of the most common questions I get is: “Where’s the best place you’ve dived?” It’s impossible to pick just one! From Hammerhead Sharks in the Galápagos to the bizarre red-lipped batfish, every destination has been unique and special.
 
Water is my escape
For me, swimming and diving are more than hobbies—they’re a way of life. Whether I’m teaching at Ferndown Leisure Centre or diving in the depths of the ocean, I’m happiest when I’m in the water.
 
If you or your child are looking to build confidence in the pool, I’d love to help. Join our swimming lessons at Ferndown Leisure Centre and start your journey today!

Call us on 01202 877468 to find out more or join online!