5 Reasons to Teach Your Kids to Swim with Dawn

Take just one look at Dawn and you know she is super fit. She is the owner of COACH DXB, a children’s swimming school in Dubai. I know Dawn personally because of my son, she is his swimming teacher and the lessons have done wonders for his confidence.

There is so much more to water play and swimming for babies than meets the eye. If you would like to know more, keep on reading…

1. Dawn, where are you originally from?

My parents are Greek and Scottish. I have been lucky enough to grow up all over the world – from the Greek Islands to the Mid-West USA, London when I was as a young child to Africa.  This wonderful opportunity to live as a cross-cultured child has contributed greatly to the interactions I now have in the Middle East.2. Where did your love of the water begin? And your swimming career? 

I attribute this to my mother who told me she swam 20 lengths a day everyday when she was pregnant.  From a young age, she had me in the pool floating around.  My grandfather played water polo for Scotland and he influenced my aquatic career by teaching me to dive and latterly to sail around the East Coast of Scotland.3. When did you decide to start your own business?  

At school, I participated in the Duke of Edinburgh and followed my passion for the water by taking my lifesaving exams, achieving my Bronze Medallion, Award of Merit, and Distinction.

I started coaching swimming and lifeguarding in Scotland where I finished high school and whilst studying my BSc(Hons) Sports Coaching in Wales, I continued doing so, taking a position with Cardiff Swimming Development Team. After graduation, I decided to make this my full-time profession and sought out my Adult and Child Aquatic Award in London.4. Why did you decided to focus on babies as a business?  

In London, I found myself heavily in demand in the baby swimming arena, running classes in Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond, Ham, Chelsea, Walton on Thames and Virginia Water.  I decided to make a move to the sunshine and bring the joy of baby swimming and the long-term benefits of starting as an infant to the Middle East. I started my own web page nearly 10 years ago www.dawnventuras.com5. Is it true that babies already know how to swim when they are born? 

This is true. All babies are completely at ease when surrounded by water as they were for 9 months in the womb.  The transition from embryo to birth and into the pool should be natural.  They are born with a reflex that allows them to hold their breath while submerged.6. Why are swimming lessons so important for babies from such a young age? 

The exercise contributes to the development of a strong cardiovascular system and muscular growth.  It makes them sleep well and builds up a sense of social interaction with other babies from a young age. It instills discipline and, above all, vital lifesaving techniques that could save them from drowning.7. What is your definition of time versus money?

I am extremely lucky to earn a living from my passion. Ultimately it never feels like I’m really working.  I believe that having a balance is important – the rewards will come and you need the time to enjoy them. I love the quote “Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”.8. Today, do you feel you are really getting paid what you are worth?

I feel that I do and having started a coaching business in the Middle East, I love the fact that I can now offer the same opportunity to other talented coaches.  Women coaches and administrators are equally capable as their male counterparts and we reward them as such.9. What is your advice to other women who want to design the life we really want to live?

Believe in yourself. Look at your strengths and make the most of those.  Go for a goal and don’t give up. If you want it badly enough, you will make it happen.10. What challenges do you think women face today running their own business? 

I love the fact there are more and more ladies running businesses. This doesn’t mean it is easy.  In the world of sport, men dominate most professional coaching and managerial positions.  This is slowly changing with strong successful women that have a determination to compete at the highest level.   I personally enjoy the challenge of breaking the mold, especially here in the Middle East.  Our company is the first Professional Sports Coaching Company set up and run by Women!! www.coachdxb.com.11: How has managing your own bottom line in business motivated you? 

We are a quality professional service, which is sometimes not the case here in the Middle East.  We have seen fantastic growth in our market base and as a result, our reputation has grown and continues to do so.  We have expanded into Abu Dhabi http://www.the-club.com/ and are enjoying the challenges that come with breaking into the old boys network.12: What are five reasons parents should teach their kids to swim….

1. Water Safety, Awareness and Confidence – we are surrounded by the sea and pools. Raising awareness can limit the drowning tragedies we hear about.

2. Social Skills – water is fun, people love to socialize around the pool and at the beach.

3.  Discipline – Learning a skill and developing that into a technique and making it part of your life requires discipline.  A young child can take the discipline they learn from sport and apply it to life.

4. Long Term Athletic Development – Michael Phelps? Ian Thorpe? Tiger Woods? Andre Agassi? They started from somewhere . So why not start your baby swimming?

5. Health Benefits – regular exercise and especially swimming has proven to enhance every aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

So there you have it – inspiring words from an inspiring teacher. All the motivation you need to get your children in the pool and exercising in a safe, fun environment. Who knows? You might be raising the next mini-Phelps. Tide’s up!

Janelle xoxo