Meet Maddie, the heart and soul behind Swim O’Clock! Originally from England, Maddie learned to swim at a young age and became a certified lifeguard by the time she was just 16. After moving to Canada, she quickly noticed a gap in swimming lessons in the area and saw the potential to make a splash in the industry of swimming in Vancouver. What started as a spontaneous decision soon turned into a full-fledged business – now with six instructors teaching under her lead!
About the Master Swimmer
Maddie’s love for teaching, especially working with kids, shines through in everything she does. Swim O’Clock offers lessons for all ages, starting from as young as four months old up to adults. But her main focus? The little swimmers aged 2 to 6. Maddie’s especially proud of a recent student – a 2-year-old who had been with her for a while and just learned to flip on their own in the water!
For the tiny tots as young as four months, the goal is to get them comfortable in the water and teach them essential water skills like flipping. “The earlier you start, the better,” says Maddie. And for parents who might not be ready to enroll their kids in lessons yet, her advice is simple: get them used to having water on their heads from a young age and consider starting formal lessons around age 3 or 4.
To Swim or to not Swim
Why is swimming so important? Living in Vancouver, surrounded by lakes, rivers, and the ocean, Maddie believes there are endless activities you’ll miss out on if you don’t know how to swim. Plus, it’s a life skill that can literally save lives.
For those hesitant or even afraid of swimming, Maddie suggests starting with one-on-one lessons with a warm, friendly instructor before moving to group settings. Her teaching philosophy is all about comfort and she uses a friendly approach to teach swimming. “When my students feel safe and comfortable, that’s when they learn best.”
Ready to take the plunge? For more details, visit Swim O’Clock’s website or check them out on Instagram. Remember, no matter your age, gender, or background, swimming is a skill you can always acquire. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in with Swim O’Clock today!
