Aquatics

I really like teaching people how to be better at life and feel more confident through sports, especially swimming! It’s just awesome to see kids get better in the water and feel more sure of themselves. In my eyes, it’s not just about swimming—it’s about learning things that help you in life too. When I see someone mastering new skills and feeling good about it, it’s like, yeah, that’s what it’s all about.

I really enjoy hanging out with friends, sharing laughs and good times. My favourite passtimes are mixing it up on the Ji jitsu mats and exploring new flavors at restaurants, it’s always a highlight of my week. Ji jitsu gets my adrenaline pumping and strengthens my mind and body.

My philosophy is that I can be better than I was yesterday and maintaining composure in the face of life’s trials. With seven years of experience as a dedicated swimming teacher, I hold Kenyan nationality. As a youngster, my passion for boxing transitioned into a love for fitness and exercise. My ultimate aspiration is to establish a swimming school in Kenya, aiming to empower those less privileged than myself by teaching them the invaluable life skill of swimming. It’s a dream rooted in my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Swimming, boxing, and strength training fuel my passion for fitness. Beyond the gym, I relish exploring new places and creating lasting memories with my loved ones. Whether it’s diving into the pool, sparring in the ring, or embarking on adventures, each activity enriches my life, while family time brings me joy and fulfillment.

Since immersing myself in the realm of teaching swimming, I’ve had the honor of mentoring numerous individuals across all age groups in their aquatic journeys. Whether it’s introducing beginners to the basics of floating or fine-tuning the skills of more advanced swimmers, I approach every lesson with a blend of patience, enthusiasm, and dedication to nurturing water confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the progress and newfound assurance that each swimmer gains, fueling my passion for this fulfilling endeavor.

Having called Dubai home for nearly six years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the sense of safety and security it provides. Grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my journey, I eagerly embrace the spirit of adventure and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Dubai has been a nurturing environment, fostering personal growth and offering a platform for me to explore new horizons. I look forward to what the future holds with excitement and optimism.

Swimming, to me, is more than just a skill; it’s an essential part of life’s adventures. From diving for treasures to racing friends or simply floating on your back, it unlocks a world of thrills. Not only is it incredibly fun, but it’s also a fantastic way to maintain fitness and health. What’s more, swimming is a life skill that proves invaluable in various situations. Whether it’s for safety, leisure, or competition, mastering swimming opens doors to countless opportunities and enriches our lives in ways beyond measure.

In 2018, I embarked on my Dubai journey as a Lifeguard, drawn to the role by my lifelong passion for swimming, cultivated since age 6. It’s no surprise I gravitated towards teaching swimming. In my free time, I relish family beach outings, indulging in buffets, or simply unwinding at home with Netflix. These activities offer a balance to my professional life, allowing me time to recharge and appreciate Dubai.

In addition to my role as an international swimming coach, I bring a multifaceted skill set to my journey. My commitment to holistic well-being led me to attain qualifications as a nutritionist, empowering athletes to optimize their performance both in and out of the water. As a journalist, I’ve also explored the intersection of sports, culture, and human experience, sharing insights gained from my global adventures. With each endeavor, whether guiding swimmers to success, capturing the essence of life through photography, nourishing bodies with optimal nutrition, or weaving narratives through journalism, I embody the ethos of discipline and practice as the keys to unlocking boundless potential.

Originally from Spain, I’ve spent the last 15 years travelling the world as an international swimming coach. My journey started teaching swimming at university, focusing on Paralympic pools, which influenced my teaching style. Transitioning to the UK, I discovered a passion for water polo and synchronized swimming, leading as head of swimming at WIA. I’ve mentored new instructors, emphasizing effective communication. I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom and discipline that comes with age, embodying a solo nomadic lifestyle dedicated to my work.

Swimming is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Every swimmer holds within them unique abilities and untapped potential, waiting to be unlocked. I believe in fostering an environment that encourages swimmers to explore their capabilities fully, pushing beyond perceived limits to realize their true potential.

Enjoyment and growth are at the heart of this philosophy. It’s about finding joy in the process of improvement, relishing each stroke as a step towards personal excellence. While there may be destinations to reach—whether it’s a race victory or a new personal record—true fulfillment comes from the journey itself, from the continuous pursuit of growth and self-discovery.

Originally from Serbia, I have spent the majority of my career dedicated to promoting physical education and fostering a love for sports. With a background as a PE teacher and coach in both swimming and basketball, I have had the privilege of working with diverse groups of individuals, helping them develop their skills and passion for sports.
For nearly seven years, I had the incredible opportunity to teach swimming in Dubai—a journey that has flown by in the blink of an eye!

While I thoroughly enjoy the excitement of sports, I am equally passionate about spending quality time with my family and friends. Although I may not be the life of the party, you can often find me surrounded by loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations and creating lasting memories.

I believe in instilling an enjoyment of swimming from a young age. Any child that enjoys swimming will have the potential to reach their goals whether it’s gaining a new personal best time at a competition, progressing to the next Swim England stage or learning an invaluable life skill.

When coaching competitive swimming I believe establishing a good technical base is essential, once an athlete understands the technique of a stroke or skill only then can we begin to work on speed. I want my athletes to have the same experiences and opportunities swimming afforded me.

I am from Norwich in the UK and have been swimming longer than I can remember. My competitive swimming journey started at the age of 8, where I trained and competed regularly for my small local club up to a regional level. At 16, I began to volunteer as a coach, which soon became my first job. I moved to Dubai in 2022 to further my career in aquatics.

Swimming holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. Beyond its obvious benefits as a workout, it’s a holistic activity that enhances endurance, strength, and weight management. There’s something incredibly soothing yet energizing about gliding through the water, particularly when the sun is blazing. The versatility of swimming is unmatched— it can be a serene escape at the beach, an exploration of vibrant underwater worlds while snorkeling, or a thrilling pursuit in competitive or team settings.

I’ve been a resident of Dubai for the past 12 years, living happily with my wife and beautiful daughter. I have a passion for teaching both kids and adults who are nervous about swimming, and I cherish spending evenings at the beach with my family.

I believe in a teach first, train second coaching philosophy. I pride myself on attention to detail and ensuring that the swimmers I coach have the skills that are required to develop themselves and reach their full potential. I encourage all swimmer to take ownership of their development and training and to build a strong team spirit. As a highly motivated individual with a desire to be successful at everything I do, I always try to be the best role model for my swimmers in attitude, appearance and fitness.

I was a competitive swimmer for 17 years, competing at a regional and national level. As a senior British champion in 1500m freestyle, I was fortunate to train with Olympians and World Champions and learn from world-renowned coaches. I have been in Dubai for 6 years and enjoy keeping fit and spending time with my wife and 2 children.

I believe swimming is such an important life skill for all ages. Swimming could save your life one day! Especially living in the UAE with so much access to water whether this be in community pools, beaches or on a boat. It is so important to know how to keep yourself safe in and around water. Swimming is a great sport for young children, it teaches them time management, discipline and keeps them fit and active. Swimming is also a great team sport and a great way to meet new friends.

I am from Suffolk, England. I have lived in Dubai for 3 years which I am fortunate to call home. In my free time I love keeping active and seeing my friends. I swam from as young as I can remember up until the age of 16. I have a passion for teaching and love that I can share my knowledge with others to reach their swimming goals wherever this be water safety, improving technique or fitness benefits.

With over six years of experience in the corporate event management sector, I’ve developed strong skills in planning, logistics, stakeholder coordination, and operational delivery. This background has equipped me with the tools to manage complex programmes, lead teams, and create seamless experiences from start to finish.

Now, as Camp Manager for Cognita, I look forward to bringing that organisational expertise into a more meaningful and child-focused setting—overseeing the delivery of school holiday camps across our Cognita schools in Dubai. Having already worked in each school as part of the Aquatics team, I’ve built strong relationships with teachers, parents, and students, which helps me shape engaging, safe, and enriching camp experiences that support children’s growth beyond the classroom. My focus is on creating an environment where every child feels included, active, and excited to learn and try new activities.

In addition to my role as Camp Manager, I continue to support the Experience Team in a hybrid role at Repton Dubai, helping to deliver high-quality Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) programmes. This allows me to contribute more broadly to the student experience by ensuring that after-school activities are well-organised, inclusive, and aligned with the wider goals of COGNITA Enrich Me.

Outside of work, I play competitive netball, enjoy running and the gym, as well as  exploring Dubai’s incredible food scene with my friends. When I’m not out and about, I’m at home relaxing with a good series and my two cats, Ziggy and Chip.

John Ray has 8 years of experience in aquatics and has been in Dubai for 8 years. He believes in ensuring the safety of everyone around the pool and maintaining a healthy environment. He enjoys surfing, skimboarding, running, skateboarding, mountain biking, cooking, playing music, swimming, participating in triathlons, playing basketball, and photography.

Joseph has 26 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 20 years. One of his most memorable experiences as a lifeguard is driving the rescue boat to monitor the swimming area. Outside of lifeguarding, he enjoys playing basketball, table tennis, billiards, and spending time with friends.

Lemuel has 14 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 18 years. He believes in preventing accidents and ensuring swimmers have a comfortable and fun experience. Outside of lifeguarding, he enjoys playing billiards, video games, hiking, going to the gym, traveling, listening to music, and playing basketball.

Jeann has 5 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 7 years. She believes that lifeguards ensure the safety of people by educating the public about water safety, identifying hazards, and providing first aid and CPR. Outside of lifeguarding, she enjoys watching documentaries based on real events, playing the guitar, playing video games, and going to the beach with friends.

Ginelyn has 2 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 9 years. She believes in preventing accidents and keeping a safe environment for customers. One of her most memorable experiences as a lifeguard was during a busy summer afternoon when 95 students were in the swimming pool for their last day of summer camp. Outside of lifeguarding, she enjoys teaching swimming.

James has 10 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 10 years. He believes in keeping everyone safe in the swimming pool area. One of his most memorable experiences as a lifeguard was explaining the rules to some kids at a community pool and receiving appreciation from their parents. Outside of lifeguarding, he enjoys playing basketball and running.

Ashan has 11 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 11 years. He believes that lifeguards are important for preventing accidents and keeping the pool environment safe. One of his most memorable experiences as a lifeguard was receiving the Leisure of the Year Oscar award in 2016 and being named King of the Beach Lifeguard in 2018. Outside of lifeguarding, he enjoys playing volleyball, cricket, and running.

Roshini has 15 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 15 years. She believes that having a lifeguard is essential for preventing accidents and maintaining a safe environment in swimming areas. Outside of lifeguarding, she enjoys playing netball.

Abbas Katende has 4 years of experience as a lifeguard in Dubai and 5 years in Uganda. He believes in keeping people safe. One of his most memorable experiences as a lifeguard was in 2013 when he rescued someone who ignored his advice about the pool’s depth. Outside of lifeguarding, he enjoys tailoring and designing.

Erickson has 11 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 11 years. He believes in ensuring the safety of all pool users. One of his most memorable experiences as a lifeguard was working at Fitness First, where he was given the opportunity to get a swimming teaching license. Outside of lifeguarding, he is an active triathlete and enjoys helping people learn sports related to triathlons, such as swimming, biking, and running.

Franco has 15 years of experience as a lifeguard and has been in Dubai for 17 years. He believes in educating swimmers and always checking pool safety. One of his most memorable experiences as a lifeguard was participating in monthly lifeguard training sessions at Fitness First, where they had to swim 4 kilometres each month. Outside of lifeguarding, he enjoys swimming, working out, running, cooking and driving.