Meet the Team

Joanne has been the Pool Manager for Swimstart since before it existed which is over 25 years now! Joanne was part of the team which successfully negotiated for the then Silsden Parish Council to take over responsibilty for the pool eventually separating and registering as a Charity, becoming Swimstart. As well as many Finance and Business Qualifications, Joanne is also a qualified Swimming Instructor and holds the STA Level 2 Water Treatment qualification. Joanne's two sons both learnt to swim with Swimstart and Joanne's baby grandaughter will be starting lessons soon 💖.

Jo has worked for Swimstart since 2003. Jo is responsible for booking children into weekly, holiday and private lessons. Jo has recently taken over ownership of Boutique Olé in Silsden which she runs alongside her work for Swimstart. Jo's three daughters all learned to swim with Swimstart. Fun fact: Jo is a massive Take That fan 🙂

Paul has been working for Swimstart as a Pool Technician since July 2022 and is an Associate Member of PWTAG, the organisation responsible for ensuring swimming pools are safe to swim in. In his spare time Paul likes watching his sons play football and rugby. Fun fact: Paul is a massive Leeds United fan ⚽🏆.

Vicky has worked for Swimstart since January 2008. Vicky is a qualified Instructor, Lifeguard and Pool Technician. Vicky also works as a Pool Receptionist. Vicky says "What I enjoy most about my job is giving my swimmers a life skill. I love their little faces when they realise they can swim without armbands. Getting a child with very little confidence swimming is the best feeling in the world"! Fun Fact: Vicky loves zumba and spends the rest of her spare time taking her daughter to football.

Charlotte has worked for Swimstart since January 2022. Charlotte is a Swimming Instructor, Lifeguard and also works as a Receptionist. Charlotte enjoys meeting all the lovely children and parents who pass through Swimstart's doors and when a non-swimmer blossoms into a confident one. Fun fact: Charlotte is related to the late poet William Wordsworth 📖🌾. Charlotte's favourite colour is purple 💜.

Vanessa has worked for Swimstart since October 2003. Vanessa is a Lifeguard and also works as a Receptionist. Vanessa has three sons and a daughter who have all learned to swim with Swimstart. Fun fact: Vanessa is never happier than when she's shopping or sitting on a beach with her family 🙂

Keira has been working at Swimstart since November 2022 and works as a Lifeguard and Pool receptionist. Her favourite time of lessons is when everyone gets to play at the end. Fun Fact : Keira loves going to Bradford City Football ⚽ and wants to travel the world when she is older 😎✈⛱

Phoebe has worked for Swimstart since October 2023 and is currently studying Criminology at University. Phoebe's favourite part of lessons is watching the children gain more confidence. Phoebe's favourite hobby is walking her 2 dogs. Fun fact: Phoebe loves travelling ✈️🧳🏖️

Jenny has been working for Swimstart since February 2023 and is really enjoying getting to know everyone. Jenny loves chatting to the children and the baby cuddles! Jenny is mum to Macy and Joey who both learnt to swim with Swimstart. Jenny has mainly been at home raising her children before joining Swimstart she also helps her dad out on his farm. Jenny loves spending time with family, eating out and going for walks especially on the East Coast where they have a caravan next to the beach! ⛱🚶‍♀️

Finn has been working as a lifeguard for Swimstart since June 2022. Finn likes spending time with his friends and loves travelling abroad ✈😎⛱.

Tilly has worked for Swimstart since May 2021 and is a qualified Swimming Instructor. Tilly's favourite part of the job is watching children become more and more confident in the water and learning new swimming skills. Tilly is currently studying Primary Education at University. Tilly's favourite hobby is going to watch football games on a Saturday. Fun fact: Tilly's favourite football team is Leeds United 🔵🟡⚪️

Emma has worked for Swimstart since March 2024. Emma's favourite part of teaching is watching all of the children develop and progress as swimmers. Emma enjoys working with the staff and speaking with the parents as well. Emma loves training at the gym, baking at home and hiking in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. Fun fact: Emma could happily live off Nutella - on its own, in pancakes and as ice cream 🍫😊.

Lucy has been working for Swimstart since September 2024. Lucy's favourite part of the job is being able to speak to both the parents and children and see how they gain confidence and skills with their swimming, and seeing them want to come each week. Fun fact: Lucy is a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do 🥋😊