In My Own Words: From student to teacher
Kirsty's swimming journey with us!
After years of swimming badly (her words, not ours!), Kirsty Cruickshank finally took the plunge and began swimming lessons to learn a vital life skill later in life. What she didn’t expect was just how much that decision would change her life. Today, Kirsty is a Swimming Teacher at our West Northumberland sites, sharing her passion for the water and proving that it’s never too late to learn.
Starting from scratch
When Kirsty first stepped into adult swimming lessons, she wasn’t expecting to become a regular at the pool, let alone a swimming teacher. Like many adults, her early experiences with swimming were limited to school lessons and weekend paddles at the local baths. But she reached a point in life where she wanted something new—something sustainable, low-impact, and good for both body and mind.
“I wanted to do something I felt I could manage for the rest of my life. Running really didn’t appeal to me—it never has!”
Kirsty started from the beginning, re--learning the basics and building up her confidence in the water. One half-hour lesson a week quickly turned into a regular commitment. She realised that if she wanted to improve, she needed time to practice—and a lot of perseverance.
“I had to start right back at the beginning to master the techniques and skills. It soon became obvious that having just one lesson per week wasn’t enough.”
From learning to loving it
As her skills grew, so did her enjoyment. The turning point came when she finally cracked front crawl breathing—an achievement that transformed swimming from a challenge into a joy.
“Until that point, I was desperately unfit and out of breath all the time. But once I could string a few lengths together, it felt amazing. Learning to tumble turn was a step change—it really boosts your fitness.”
Swimming became more than just exercise—it became a space for self-care, connection, and strength.
“Being in the water means so many things now: time to myself, keeping fit, feeling strong, and it’s quite social too! There’s a whole community of swimmers if you stick at it.”
A new confidence in and out of water
Learning to swim didn’t just give Kirsty a new skill—it gave her confidence. She felt empowered to try other activities, like Pilates and strength classes. Most surprisingly, it opened up a completely unexpected career path.
“It’s given me a job—something I never envisaged when I first started!”
Becoming a swimming teacher
Kirsty’s decision to train as a swimming teacher came from a simple motivation: to give something back.
“It sounds corny, but I really did want to give back to the sport.”
The transition wasn’t instant. Going from the student to the teacher meant relearning everything from a different perspective. She took her time, learned from mentors, and focused on what really matters for new swimmers—especially adults.
“If you can control your breathing, you’re in control of your stroke. Aquatic breathing is the biggest barrier for adults, but once they master it, everything changes.”
And because Kirsty had been there herself—not that long ago—she brings empathy and understanding to every lesson.
“Going from being a ‘nana’ swimmer to a club swimmer as an adult means it’s very fresh in my memory just how hard it is to learn. I feel their frustrations!”
It's never too late to start
If there’s one message Kirsty wants other adults to hear, it’s this: it’s never too late to learn.
“When we get older, we try new things all the time—food, places, hobbies. Swimming is no different. And it’s such a brilliant thing to do with your grandchildren. It’s 100% intergenerational.”
Learning to swim opens doors to so much more than laps in a pool. It means more fun on beach holidays, greater confidence on boat trips, and the chance to explore activities like paddleboarding, snorkelling, and wild swimming.
“Swimming isn’t just about fitness or survival—it’s about enjoying life in the water with family and friends.”
Moments that matter
Some of the most meaningful moments for Kirsty come during water safety sessions with older children. It’s a chance to talk openly about how important it is to respect the water and understand the risks.
“I share real stories with them—because it matters. When we talk about water safety, I can see how much they take it in. It’s powerful to know you’re helping young people make safer choices.”
These conversations are a reminder of why swimming is about so much more than strokes and lengths—it’s about building awareness, confidence, and lifelong respect for the water.
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you're looking to build confidence, try something new, or simply enjoy the water with friends and family—adult swimming lessons at Places Leisure are a great place to start. Just like Kirsty, your first step could lead to something life-changing.
Learn a skill for life, today.