Turning Experience into Education
When I began my journey as a swim teacher over thirty years ago, I had no idea that it would eventually lead me to write the “Learn To Swim The Australian Way” series. But as the years went by, I realized that there was a real need for a comprehensive, practical guide to teaching swimming—one that was rooted in the tried-and-true techniques I had honed in the pool. I wanted to create something that parents, swim instructors, and coaches could rely on to help children not just learn to swim, but to truly love the water.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a full-fledged series that takes swimmers from reluctant beginners to mastering advanced techniques. Each book is carefully crafted to build confidence, promote safety, and instill a lifelong love for swimming. The series is about embracing the joy of swimming, mastering the fundamentals, and feeling comfortable and secure in the water in a fun and memorable way for both the learner and the teacher.
Inspiration from a Life in the Pool
The inspiration for this series came from my years of teaching. I’ve always believed that swimming is more than just a sport—it’s a life skill, a source of adventure, and, most importantly, a way to stay safe in and around the water. Over the years, I’ve seen so many children transform from hesitant beginners to confident swimmers, and that transformation is the outcome I want every swimmer to achieve from my books.
I’ve also seen the challenges that parents and instructors face. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I wrote these books—to provide a clear, step-by-step guide that takes the guesswork out of teaching kids to swim. I hope that through these books, more children will experience the love of swimming and the confidence that comes with it.
Who Are These Books For?
The “Learn To Swim The Australian Way – Level 2 The Basics” is for anyone who wants to help kids (ages 5+) to learn to swim. Whether you’re a parent looking to teach your child at home, a swim instructor in search of a structured skill-based curriculum, or a coach working with young athletes, these books are for you. They’re designed to be accessible to all, regardless of prior experience with swimming.
Life’s more fun when the kids can swim, so my books are also about spending quality time together as a family. In today’s world, where screens often dominate our lives, it’s more important than ever to find activities that bring families together in meaningful ways. I’ve designed the books in such a way to offer a wonderful opportunity to get kids reading and participating in activities away from a screen. They’re not just mundane teaching resources about learning to swim—they’re about creating moments of connection that you and your child will cherish as you read along and learn together.
What Do I Hope Readers Will Take Away?
At the heart of the whole series is the desire to make learning to swim a positive, rewarding experience. I hope that readers will find the guidance they need to help their children or students build strong swimming skills, develop water safety awareness, and cultivate a genuine love for the water.
I also understand that with the cost of everything always going up, finding affordable ways to teach kids important life skills can be challenging. By offering comprehensive, easy-to-follow guidance in an affordable format, I hope to make learning to swim something every family can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Looking Forward: The Future of ‘Learn To Swim The Australian Way’
As I look to the future, I’m excited about expanding the “Learn To Swim The Australian Way” series. I’m working on new books that complement the series such as teaching children with special needs, coloring books, specialized teaching guides for each of the four competitive strokes and an activity book for kids new to joining a swim squad.
A Little About Me: From the Poolside to the Authors’ Lounge
Before I became an author, I spent over three decades in the pool as a swim teacher. Known as AlyT to the online swimming community, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching others how to swim and stay safe in the water. Writing this series has allowed me to extend my reach beyond the pool and share my expertise with a broader audience. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact my books have made. Along the way, I’ve made some really special connections with swim schools in remote Australian outback towns, small villages in Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as the North American Midwest and the UK.
If you’d like to learn more about the “Learn To Swim The Australian Way” series, you can visit my websites www.borntoswim.com.au and www.learntoswimtheaustralianway.au. I’m also active on social media (Instagram @LearnToSwimTheAustralianWay ), where I share tips, updates, and more about teaching swimming the Australian way.
Thanks for joining me in the Authors’ Lounge, and I look forward to helping you and your loved ones dive into the wonderful world of swimming!
