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Hi! I'm Mark, creator of Swim Teach

I've been teaching swimming for over 30 years and I built Swim Teach so that I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of swimming lessons I have had the pleasure of teaching. Take a look back through my previous newsletters and see what you missed.

Books for swimming teachers
Featured Post

The fastest way to revive a tired swim class

What’s the one thing that can instantly re-energise a tired swim class? Hi there, Mark here - hope you’re doing well. Over the years I’ve found that no matter how much experience we’ve got as swimming teachers, a few simple tweaks can make a huge difference to how our lessons run—and how much our swimmers get out of them. I’ve pulled together some of my best tips that I use myself, and I thought you might like to try them out in your own lessons: My Top Tips for Better Swim Lessons ✅ Know...

The complete beginners guide to swimming

Always wondered why confident swimmers look so relaxed in the water? Hey, Mark here. Hope you're doing well. For many beginners, putting your face underwater feels like the biggest hurdle in swimming. But once you get comfortable with it, everything changes. Swimming becomes calmer, smoother, and far more enjoyable. Here’s a simple 3-step way to build confidence underwater. 1️⃣ Get the face wet Start gently. Splash water on your face, blow bubbles, or chase a floating ball at the surface.This...

Teaching Adults How To Swim - ebook download

What’s the biggest challenge you face when teaching an adult to swim - fear, technique, or simply unlearning old habits? Hey, Mark here, I hope you’re doing well. This week, I'm tackling that sometimes tricky task of teaching adults how to swim, inspired by an article I wrote a while back. Why adapting your style matters Adults come to the pool with all kinds of backgrounds: varying fitness, flexibility, and confidence levels. The key is to meet them where they are, not push them into a...

What if your breathing timing was the one thing holding back your whole stroke? Hi, Mark here. I hope all is well with you. This week we are talking front crawl breathing - and more specifically, the timing of your breath. If you’ve ever felt your breathing “throws you off” in front crawl, you’re not alone. It’s one of the hardest parts to coordinate - but once you get the timing right, everything flows more smoothly. My full guide is right here. What timing means It’s not just when you...

The complete beginners guide to swimming

Does your confidence fall apart at the thought of swimming in the deep end? Hi, Mark here. I hope all is good with you. If the thought of swimming in deep water makes your heart race - you are not alone. Many adults feel anxious about venturing beyond the shallow end, and the good news is: it’s completely normal and totally conquerable. Whether your fear stems from a bad childhood experience, feeling out of control, or just the unknown lurking beneath, you can work through it — gently and at...

101 Swimming Lesson Plans for swimming teachers

The quickest way to lose a swimmer’s focus? Predictability. Hi, Mark here. Hope you’ve had a good week in the pool. Let me ask you something… Have your lessons started to feel a little predictable? It happens to all of us. We find a structure that works, a few drills that get results, and before long we’re repeating the same patterns week after week. But variation is where the magic happens. When we keep lessons fresh: Pupils stay engaged and curious Confidence builds more naturally Progress...

Are you ready to transform your freestyle stroke into a smooth and efficient glide through the water? Dive into Freestyle: Master the Art of Effortless Swimming! Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well with you. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned swimmer aiming to refine your technique, I’ve got you covered. Unlock the Secrets of Freestyle Swimming Freestyle, also known as front crawl, is celebrated for its speed and grace. To help you master this stroke, I’ve broken it down into...

Are you striving to make every second count in your 30-minute swim lessons? Maximize your 30-minute swim lessons with expert planning! Hi, Mark here. I hope all is well with you. Are you striving to make every second count in your 30-minute swim lessons? A well-structured plan is the cornerstone of effective teaching, ensuring your students progress confidently and efficiently. Crafting the Perfect 30-Minute Lesson An impactful swim lesson encompasses several key components: 1. Lesson Type &...

The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming

Fear in the water often comes down to one simple question… “Can I stand up?” Hi Mark here, I hope all is well with you. Have you ever been mid-swim and suddenly thought… “How do I stop?” It’s something that often gets forgotten - but learning how to stand up mid-swim is one of the biggest confidence boosters for beginners. If a swimmer knows they can stop, regain their footing, and reset… the fear starts to fade. I have a clear, step-by-step guide covering: ✅ How to stand up from a face-down...

Confidence building swimming lesson plan

It’s one of the most common (and frustrating) questions beginners ask when learning to swim. Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well. Have you ever noticed how one swimmer can lie back and float effortlessly… while another feels like they’re fighting the water the whole time? It isn’t luck — and it isn’t strength. It comes down to understanding how your body interacts with the water — and once that clicks, confidence grows very quickly. This week I’m sharing two simple but powerful resources to help...