Testimonials

Here's what my clients have to say.  

Ray: Just a thank you note, mainly for your patience. I thoroughly enjoyed my two days instruction , though a bit stiff in the joints later in the week. You managed to remove most of my nervousness in the water for which I am very grateful. Have been to my local pool, and though I have not mastered the strokes you gave me, I am confident that practice will make , won't say perfect, but towards perfection. I intend to have words with all my non-swimming friends , who consider themselves too old to learn. Once again "thank you".

Eileen: I would like to thank you for our recent stay in your house right next to the swimming pool. It was very comfortable. My lessons with Sophie were fantastic. Within a few minutes I was putting my head under water which is amazing as I have never done this. I am no longer frightened and I know that this is just the beginning. Sophie was an inspiration and I am truly looking forward to holidays with my grandchildren.

Tina: Hi Irene Jenny and I wish to thank you and Sophie for the support we got at the weekend. We went to The Greenlawns Hotel on Monday night as planned. Jenny is swimming well and has not used the float. Arms and legs are both functioning well. I am thrilled to e able to go in the water and was able to glide and float quite successfully. I am sure I will be swimming before too long. Thanks again.

Ying: Dear Irene I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed and benefited from my 9 hours swimming lesson with Sophie. She is an excellent instructor with a lot of patience, pleasant and friendly mannerism. When I arrived I knew nothing about the breast stroke. When I left I was able to do the stroke correctly and knew how to correct my errors. She taught me the breast stroke in several stages. Her instructions were crystal clear, precise and easy to follow. I even had time to practise each stage with her. I would recommend Sophie to any beginners who wish to learn how to swim. Thank you Sophie!!!

Ken: Hello Irene, Hope you remember me, Ken Jenkins from Lichfield, you gave me two days of swimming lessons at the end of February. I'd just thought I'd let you know how I'm getting on. I've been going to the pool 3 to 4 times a week since my lessons with you, doing my drills & getting some funny looks from the staff and other people in the pool as I went through gliding, kicking & then my stroke, time after time. As you suggested I didn't try to swim, but after a week of drills I put into practice all three elements and actually started swimming. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that last week I swam 50 lengths of the pool (a total of 100 metres) on each of the four visits I made that week, I had to take a few breaks of about a minute every 5-10 lengths, but steadily I'm building up my stamina. As I explained to you at my lessons, my aim was to get my PADI licence to go scuba diving, but I had to be sure that I could pass the swimming test of 200 metres before proceeding. I feel so confident in the water now that I have booked a holiday in Egypt on the Red Sea in June to try & get my PADI open water licence. I'm really looking forward to it, and although a bit nervous about swimming in the sea for the first time, I'm sure I'm going to be OK. Today I swam 1500 metre (75 lengths) again with a few 30 seconds to 1 minute breaks, I just feel so proud that I've achieved this and I want to thank you for making this possible. I'm not the fastest thing in the water but then again that wasn't my goal, I'm sure & steady and that's fine with me. I'm also aware that I need to keep working on my action, I still make mistakes but I'm always trying to correct any faults knowing what I should now be doing. I just wish I'd learnt to swim before, I really look forward to my sessions in the pool, and feel really good about myself because I can swim properly, with my head down in the water as opposed to more experienced swimmers who I now know are not swimming as they should. I'd confided in one of the people I met at the pool before taking lessons that I was unable to swim and was about to do a two day intensive course, he told me last week that he couldn't believe I'd only been swimming for six weeks and asked me if I was going to swim the channel. Thanks again Irene for all of your help and understanding during my two day course, I know I'm not the easiest person to teach anything but its been a life changing experience, if its OK with you I'll let you know how the scuba diving course goes and perhaps send you some photos.

Margaret: Well Irene, I made it back home to Ireland, and I'm still on a high with my achievements during my 2 days residential swim lessons. You know, although I always really wanted to learn to swim, the fear I had since I was a child, always prevented me from pursuing my goal. I remember many years ago deciding that there were 3 things that I wanted to do, 1 - Learn to drive, 2 - go to university and achieve my qualifications, and 3 - Learn to swim. I have long since completed No 1 and 2. I have never been able to complete No. 3, because of the fear I had of water. I could go into the sea up to my knees, go into a swimming pool up to my thighs, but have never been able to go into a pool and put my fear to one side - long enough for me to try anything that might resemble a swimming stroke! I went on holidays, but would never go into the pool, especially if there were people in it. On Wednesday 2nd April, 2008, I started my two day residential swimming course and met Sophie - my swimming instructor. I got into the pool - which was deeper than any pool I'd been in before. The water came up to my waist. But, Sophie was a fabulous teacher, very different than anything I'd experienced before, always encouraging, always ready to catch me when I ready to brave the next move, and reminding me of my progress with consistent positive feedback. The sessions in the pool flew by. Sophie explained step-by-step each stroke, breaking it down into separate movements, demonstrating them herself, and with good humour and patience gave me the security and confidence to try them myself. My fear of water has not disappeared, but it certainly has become manageable. I found that sophie made me feel safe in the water, and this gave me the confidence to try something - even when I was scared. In no time at all I was moving from one side of the pool to the other, without the big splash, or the overwhelming fear of sinking to the bottom. I learned how the water reacts to my movement in it, the importance of balance, and how I didn't need to put in lots of effort with lots of spashing to move quickly in the water. It was a fabulous experience and I am so pleased that I booked these private lessons. I have now returned home and have made arrangements with a friend to take out membership of a local hotel's leisure centre. I want to keep the feel-good feeling I now have about the water. I would recommend everyone who is frightened of the water, but would like to learn to swim, to make contact with Irene and make a booking. Irene I wish you well in the future, thank you for your excellent service, and I want to especially say a very big thank to Sophie.

See Karen on her swimming holiday in Australia

Jamie: Hi Irene & Sophie!  Hope you are both well Nik and I have returned from our holiday in Egypt and he has been snorkelling! I have attached some photos below for proof! Nik has been practising his swimming at the local pool and although the breathing hasn't really come together snorkelling on holiday was brilliant. He has seen lots of different fish and coral and couldn't wipe the smile from his face. Thanks once again can't believe he got in the water! Nik is going to continue practising the techniques you have taught him and he has even been in the deep end of the pool going to the bottom and bouncing back up again! Your residential weekend has really made a difference to his life thanks once again!

Ashley and Mandy: I wish to thank you for teaching my wife to begin to enjoy the water, in many ways this a more remarkable achievement than teaching her to swim. My wife had been frighten of pools since she had a couple of bad experiences as a child, which meant she would not enter pools, even private pools when away on holiday.   It was extremely easy (no pun intended) to arrange with you via e-mail and phone. The accommodation you provided was spot on, and within easy reach of local shops, and takeaways (oh, and a couple of pubs) All we needed was there.   I still can't believe that after only a couple of days my wife is beginning her swimming life. She still has a little way to go, as with anything practise make perfect, however I've told her she's got just over 4 years to prepare for the London Olympics!   I also learnt a great deal, thank you for sharing some of your knowledge with me, I didn't realise just how poor my strokes were.   It will enhance our lives so much, especially Holidays.   Thank you so, so much.

Tracy: Irene I would like to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart, the day I came to you I couldn't even put my face in the water without fear and without shaking like a leaf. And still find it so hard to believe that by the time I left I was able to sit on the bottom of the pool breathing out through my nose, and was able to glide from one side to the other and able to get myself back onto my feet with the feeling of struggle or panic. It was so nice to spend time in that pool with someone I felt I could trust with my life and someone that knew where I was coming from when I said I was scared. You time to explain to me why I was fearing the water and helped me understand the to relax in the water was the best way forward and without your help I could not have relaxed like that. I will be carrying on with everything you taught me. Once again thank you so much.

Valerie: Hi Irene, Just to say thanks for the recent swimming lessons which I enjoyed immensely. I've only managed to get to the pool once since then but what a difference I noticed. From not wanting to put my head in the water at all before our lessons I've now discovered how much fun it is to swim under the water - who'd have thought it! But for me the most important part was the fact that I really enjoyed myself - now that I know how the water is going to react to my every move I can relax and enjoy my swimming which was my main objective. The fact that my stroke is now much improved is just an added bonus and I'm really looking forward to perfecting it over the coming months. So thanks for giving me the confidence to really enjoy my swimming instead of just battling from one end to the other and arriving in a breathless heap!!   Kind regards and Merry Christmas, Valerie

Les Carr:  At the age of 61 and never having swum a stroke or been in a pool for almost 50 years I decided that with foreign holidays coming it was time to learn. I was unsure whether I was water phobic since a maniacal school sports master had put me off swimming by pushing or kicking me and my fellow schoolmates into the water to "Toughen us up". I made the right choice by approaching Irene and my two days at Swim Easy turned out to be a fantastic experience. The pool is small and user friendly and I discovered I had no fear of the water. Sophie my instructress was a pleasure to work with, friendly, humorous, and patient with someone who was willing to learn but had no knowledge at all. After two days and four sessions in the pool I was not a complete swimmer, I never thought I would be. I could by then however travel the length of the pool in a glide or glide and kick with little or no effort. In my final session I practically had to be dragged out of the water I was enjoying myself so much and the sensation of sliding through the water was fabulous. I have decided to return for another three or four day session to complete the job. Even if you feel you are terrified of water give Irene, Sophie and Swim Easy a chance and I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you can do. Les Carr

Les:  Irene first let me say what a fantastic two days I spent with you. I learnt that I'm not in the least water phobic and indeed on the afternoon of my second day Sophie had to gently remind me that I only had ten minutes more in the pool because she had to go and collect her kiddies from school. Left to my own devices I'd probably have still been in the water at midnight! Okay after two days I'm not a real swimmer but I told Sophie that I intend to return in the new year ( once Christmas is out of the way ) and take a longer course with you if you'll have me. I said to Sophie that I should have booked a longer stay but she told me two days was enough to start with as I was using muscle in a way I hadn't before and four days would probably have been too much for me. She also said she'd be really happy to have me back and the second time I'd be better prepared to pick up where I left off.
Let me say that Sophie is a delight to learn from, she's cheerful, patient, and filled me with confidence. She's also very honest, on the morning of the second day I told her I wouldn't be a real swimmer in one more day and she told me of course not but in my depth in a holiday pool I'd look to people like a genuine swimmer who knew what he was doing. All this from someone who'd never been near a pool for almost fifty years. During the final session on Thursday I'd got gliding down pat and was revelling in sailing smoothly from one corner of the pool and back again, it felt like flying and I told Sophie I now know why dolphins grin all the time. Sophie had videoed me without my knowing it and she showed me my glides at the end of the session and how I now had my legs high in the water, bum low, back straight and chin tucked in down on my chest. As good as a shape as she'd seen from a pupil she said. My head swelled instantly. Best wishes to you both Les.

Jenny:  I was so impressed with my swimming lessons in your private pool Irene. I went away stunned! I did not know how you were able to understand what I was going through until I realised that you had a really bad phobia yourself about the water. This certainly came through in all of your teaching. What also impressed me was you were able to explain how the water reacts to what my body was doing. I have had loads of swimming lessons and the teacher stands on the side and just tells us what to do without explaining why we have to do it! I can certainly see that you have spent quite some time understanding the water's reaction to the body. I will get into my nearest pool when I go home and really know what I am doing in the water without that awful feeling that it is going to drag me down, never to be seen again and actually have FUN in the water. Thank you so much for giving me this new lease of life, enabling me to go on holiday and join in with my grandsons' games. Will update you as time goes on, best wishes, Jenny

Lesley:  Hi Irene, Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your patience with me over the weekend!!! It feels like a dream - I really cannot believe what I was doing towards the end of our lessons. Think I was stunned as I was leaving (or may have overdosed on the cough mixture!).
Also thanks for being so kind to Bradley - he is inspired and has been busy starting work on research for his book!
I am looking forward to getting rid of what has turned out to be horrible flu and getting in the pool on holiday next week!
I am sure we will be back to see you in the future to gain more skills.
You are a very clever lady!
Thank you,
Lesley and Bradley

Peter: Thanks so much for the tuition last weekend I am happy to recommend you to anyone who like me has had a lifelong phobia regarding attempting to swim. I never thought I would ever be able to relax in water and as such you have performed a minor miracle . I am happy to be quoted for any updates you send to prospective customers .

Lynne:: I can't thank you enough for your time and patience in helping me to learn to swim "properly" this weekend. After years of swimming badly and a scary training session with an inexperienced tutor at my gym in Leeds, I was expecting the worst! I enjoyed the course tremendously, even though it was hard work and sometimes frustrating.

I will be continuing with the drills at my local pool (once I'm over the horrendous cold that I've now caught!!) and can't wait to show my partner my "skating" technique for the front crawl. I didn't think I'd manage to learn the arms and legs movements for breaststroke, never mind the progress we made on front crawl.

Once I've practised and achieved the full swimming stroke (including breathing) and had my activity holiday in March, I will be contacting you again to arrange an update session so that you can check I haven't fallen back into sloppy habits!

You are an excellent tutor and I have sung your praises to all who have asked me about the course. I hope that I can "swim like a fish" over the next couple of months, and it will be thanks to you and your very individual approach to your pupils' needs.

Thank you again and I hope to see you in the near future.

Rose: Thanks again for last weekend and your incredible patience.  Despite the fact that I may not be swimming independently I really enjoyed swimming in your pool and the brief stages that I glided on my own felt wonderful.  Swimming in the main pool was surprising as I didn't feel fearful at all while I was there.    I went to have a look at the pool at the new leisure centre near us and am hoping to go along during the week either on my own or with my husband.  We are also booking a holiday in March and when I rang up today to make enquiries I found myself asking for a hotel with a pool!!  This certainly wouldn't have been a priority before.  I will definitely feel happier getting into the pool and putting my head under the water in future.   I have taken on board what you said about not losing the techniques that you have taught me so I am still determined to conquer my fear of the water.  I am planning to look into hypnotherapy just to get me over that last hurdle and conquer my fear.  I'll let you know how I get on and you never know I might be back to see you later in the year!

Gillian:  It really was my lucky day when I came across your web page.  I have been terrified of water since my teens and have hardy been in a swimming pool for the last sixteen years after being rescued when I got into trouble while on holiday.  My family have tried everything to get me to have lessons but I used every excuse I could think of not too!  Coming across your web site changed all that.  You had obviously had the same fears as me and that gave me the push I needed to give it a go.  From our first meeting I felt confident in the water with you.  You never pushed me to try anything that I was uncomfortable with and because of that I became determined to practice until I could do it.

I love being in the water now and only wish I had done it years ago, but you weren't around then and I couldn't have done it without you.  So once again Irene thanks very much.  I will certainly recommend you to my friends - a surprising number of them can't swim. 

They don't know what they are missing!
 

Joe: Thanks Irene.  I swam my first length front crawl two weeks after your lessons and tell Gay Jill knocked 3 seconds off her time.  Needless to say the rest of the club were suitably impressed.  We will no doubt see you again next year.

Melody: Hi Irene Thanks so much for the weekend - we are both so grateful.  Dave and I have booked to go swimming in our local pool on Friday night in the quiet time 8-9pm.  The children were absolutely amazed and our daughter broke down in tears she was so proud of us...especially Dave.  We really ached on Monday but it was so worth it.  Keep looking at our phones to remember it was really us doing that!!! Take care, thanks again for everything Will keep in touch x

John: hello Irene, just wanted to thank you again for your efforts over the weekend, I did enjoy myself and although I cannot "swim" I am comfortable in the water and that to me is a huge step forward, I explained everything to Nikki when I arrived home, and afterwards felt no shame just pride in what you had got me to achieve !  Funnily enough when I left your house to return home there was a single white feather stuck on the top of my car ! and it crossed my mind that I was indeed a coward for not going to the pool, but a coward would not have come to you in the first place !! and I will see you again and I will let you know how I get on. 

 thanks again "COACH"

Jacquie: Hi. I've just got back from my talk and David has poured me a gin and tonic and I've taken finger to keyboard to send you a little note.  I did call upon some of my weekend sensations and feelings and had some very positive feedback from the group.

I'd just like to say thanks again for the empowerment you gave me over the weekend. What a roller coaster of thoughts, feelings and experiences!!
Onwards and upwards!!

David has said how proud he is of me and asked me when I'm going to book another session with you. We will be in touch after we get back from Jersey in September. He is quite pleased about your assessment of his swimming stroke I might add.

Our friends are taking us to their gym pool soon and I'll practice the techniques you have shared with me. I genuinely am looking forward to getting back into the water. Hydrotherapy on Wednesday will be a diagonal route across the pool without hanging on.  It will be done!!

You are a special person Irene.

Mark: I was with you a couple of weeks ago taking lessons at your wonderful establishment.
Since I got back to London I have been to the local pool twice (very early while it's quiet) to continue on where we left off. I have also signed a 4 month contract for a night shift starting next Monday. So I don't know how that is going to work while trying to juggle everything else. But rest assured, I will be swimming by xmas at the latest.
Once again Irene, I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me.  It's such a wonderful feeling to be able to get into the water and do what I can do.

 

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