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Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Coach Kelly is a distinguished, bilingual swim instructor fluent in both English and French. Now based in Dubai, she brings over 12 years of international experience to her elite clientele, specialising in private swimming instruction for VIPs, celebrities, and members of royal families from around the world.
Renowned for her composed and professional approach, Kelly has developed a refined methodology that accelerates learning and builds water confidence in a remarkably short time. Her expertise lies in working with both children and adults — particularly those who are nervous swimmers or have experienced past water-related traumas.
Kelly’s calm, discreet, and highly personalised teaching style has earned her an exceptional reputation in the private instruction space. Her client list includes some of the most high-profile individuals across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Due to high demand and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality of service, availability for new students is limited and highly selective.
At the core of Coach Kelly’s work is a deep belief in the life-changing benefits of swimming. Each session is tailored to the individual, combining technical excellence with emotional reassurance — resulting in rapid, lasting progress for even the most hesitant swimmers.
Renowned for her composed and professional approach, Kelly has developed a refined methodology that accelerates learning and builds water confidence in a remarkably short time. Her expertise lies in working with both children and adults — particularly those who are nervous swimmers or have experienced past water-related traumas.
Kelly’s calm, discreet, and highly personalised teaching style has earned her an exceptional reputation in the private instruction space. Her client list includes some of the most high-profile individuals across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Due to high demand and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality of service, availability for new students is limited and highly selective.
At the core of Coach Kelly’s work is a deep belief in the life-changing benefits of swimming. Each session is tailored to the individual, combining technical excellence with emotional reassurance — resulting in rapid, lasting progress for even the most hesitant swimmers.
From Poolside to Purpose: My Swim Coaching Journey
2013 – The Moment That Sparked It All
I was just another swimmer in my squad when, one afternoon, my coach had to rush to reception for an emergency. He turned to me and said, "Get out and run the session until I’m back."
I stepped out of the water, took a deep breath, and led the team. Something clicked. In that moment, I felt a shift. I didn’t just want to be coached—I wanted to be the coach. I knew then: I wanted to become a full-time swimming teacher.
2014 – From Graphic Design to Goggles
While still swimming competitively and studying my foundation year in Graphic & Web Design at UAL, I sent over 125 emails to swim schools across London. I had no qualifications yet, just a deep desire to teach toddlers and gain real experience.
Out of all those emails, only one school replied:
"Come Friday at 4pm to Arnos Grove Pool."
And so, every Friday afternoon, I taught children aged 3 to 5. It became the best part of my week.
2015 – Juggling Studies, Swim Caps & Lifeguard Whistles
After gaining hands-on experience, I enrolled for my Level 1 Swimming Assistant qualification and began working at three different swim schools. I taught toddlers, did 1:1 sessions, small groups, adult fitness, and learned how to adjust to every swimmer’s needs.
I also passed my NPLQ Lifeguard certification and started working at Harbour Club Kensington as a part-time lifeguard, often straight after my teaching shifts.
All this while completing my university studies and still training with my swim squad three times a week.
2016 – Into the Big Leagues
I applied to Harbour Club Kensington (David Lloyd) and was offered a permanent swim teaching role. I taught parent & baby classes, group lessons, children with disabilities, and private adult sessions.
At the same time, I started my undergraduate degree in Multimedia Technology and Design at Brunel University in Uxbridge.
2017 – Fully Qualified, Fully Booked
I completed my Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification and was now officially a qualified swimming coach. My diary was packed. I worked every day, no time off, and I loved every minute of it.
2018 – Growth & Dedication
2019 – Academic Milestone, Career Clarity
Graduating with a First Class Honours from Brunel was a proud moment. At the graduation ceremony, the speaker said:
"Some of you will change careers. Others will stay on one path."
I smiled—I knew exactly where I was headed: the swimming industry.
2020 – Building Something From Nothing
I rented a hotel pool near Heathrow Airport, hoping to launch my own swim lessons. I operated for just one week before the pandemic lockdown hit.
David Lloyd let go of all part-time teachers, and I lost my digital design contracts too.
With everything paused, I flew back to Geneva, Switzerland for a break. But after 3 months, I couldn’t sit still—I wanted to swim and teach again.
I had no pool access due to lockdown restrictions, so I went to the lake. I found a safe, shallow spot in Lake Geneva, perfect for kids and beginner adults.
That’s where I started again—from scratch. I decided to focus on expat families in Geneva who spoke English.
I was just another swimmer in my squad when, one afternoon, my coach had to rush to reception for an emergency. He turned to me and said, "Get out and run the session until I’m back."
I stepped out of the water, took a deep breath, and led the team. Something clicked. In that moment, I felt a shift. I didn’t just want to be coached—I wanted to be the coach. I knew then: I wanted to become a full-time swimming teacher.
2014 – From Graphic Design to Goggles
While still swimming competitively and studying my foundation year in Graphic & Web Design at UAL, I sent over 125 emails to swim schools across London. I had no qualifications yet, just a deep desire to teach toddlers and gain real experience.
Out of all those emails, only one school replied:
"Come Friday at 4pm to Arnos Grove Pool."
And so, every Friday afternoon, I taught children aged 3 to 5. It became the best part of my week.
2015 – Juggling Studies, Swim Caps & Lifeguard Whistles
After gaining hands-on experience, I enrolled for my Level 1 Swimming Assistant qualification and began working at three different swim schools. I taught toddlers, did 1:1 sessions, small groups, adult fitness, and learned how to adjust to every swimmer’s needs.
I also passed my NPLQ Lifeguard certification and started working at Harbour Club Kensington as a part-time lifeguard, often straight after my teaching shifts.
All this while completing my university studies and still training with my swim squad three times a week.
2016 – Into the Big Leagues
I applied to Harbour Club Kensington (David Lloyd) and was offered a permanent swim teaching role. I taught parent & baby classes, group lessons, children with disabilities, and private adult sessions.
At the same time, I started my undergraduate degree in Multimedia Technology and Design at Brunel University in Uxbridge.
2017 – Fully Qualified, Fully Booked
I completed my Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification and was now officially a qualified swimming coach. My diary was packed. I worked every day, no time off, and I loved every minute of it.
2018 – Growth & Dedication
2019 – Academic Milestone, Career Clarity
Graduating with a First Class Honours from Brunel was a proud moment. At the graduation ceremony, the speaker said:
"Some of you will change careers. Others will stay on one path."
I smiled—I knew exactly where I was headed: the swimming industry.
2020 – Building Something From Nothing
I rented a hotel pool near Heathrow Airport, hoping to launch my own swim lessons. I operated for just one week before the pandemic lockdown hit.
David Lloyd let go of all part-time teachers, and I lost my digital design contracts too.
With everything paused, I flew back to Geneva, Switzerland for a break. But after 3 months, I couldn’t sit still—I wanted to swim and teach again.
I had no pool access due to lockdown restrictions, so I went to the lake. I found a safe, shallow spot in Lake Geneva, perfect for kids and beginner adults.
That’s where I started again—from scratch. I decided to focus on expat families in Geneva who spoke English.