Profile
Growing up in a town by the IJsselmeer, I was surrounded by water from a young age. Swimming, surfing, and sailing became my daily life. There’s nothing like the sound of water, the freedom, the calm of being on a board or boat, and the feeling of the wind and sun on my face – it brings a sense of pure relaxation and happiness. I want my students to experience this same joy and peace in the water. For me, swimming is about much more than just technique and safety – though those are crucial, especially in the Netherlands. It’s also about finding freedom, confidence, and a deeper enjoyment of life. Swimming opens up new possibilities, making people happier and more self-assured. After many years working as a financial executive, I realized my true calling was in the water, sharing my love of swimming and the outdoors.
Approach and philosophy on learning
We believe that learning to swim should be a fun and enjoyable journey. Our goal is to make students feel comfortable and fully at ease in the water. Beyond just mastering swim strokes, we focus on practical water skills that are essential in daily life. This includes water orientation, learning to stay calm in unexpected situations, and understanding how to make the water work for you if you fall in. We encourage students to feel the water and not fight it. Once they relax, they find that swimming becomes smoother, faster, and a lot more fun. This way, students build confidence, overcome fears, and develop a love for the water – just like we have!
Certifications
I’m fully certified as a swim coach and lifeguard, with additional certifications in coaching children with special needs and medical first aid. I hold all Dutch swimming diplomas, and the swim school is licensed by ENVOZ.
Specialties and skills
Successful in working with students with aquaphobia, helping them feel relaxed and confident in the water. Specialized in teaching children with special needs and enjoy guiding (more) advanced swimmers in improving their technique and endurance to achieve their personal goals. In every lesson, we aim to build skills that prepare our students for real-life situations in the water, so they can swim with confidence and ease.