A Paralympic champion is using her success inside the pool to help children learn to swim and build confidence in the water.
University of Stirling student Abby Kane, who won a silver medal in the 100-metre backstroke at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, now works as a swimming teacher, encouraging young people across Scotland to embrace the water through the Learn to Swim programme.
From Paralympic Podium to the Poolside
Speaking to an interviewer, Kane said: “Swimming has always been a part of my life. It wasn’t just about sport; it was a life skill.
“I remember a trip to Australia when I was young and not being able to join in because I couldn’t swim.
“It was that moment I realised how important swimming was, not just for fun, but to be involved.”
Run in partnership by Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, the Learn to Swim programme aims to ensure quality swimming teaching is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Having started swimming through the programme at just three years old, Ms Kane is now supporting the Become a Swim Teacher campaign taking place throughout January.
The campaign is designed to inspire more people to pursue swim teaching as demand for qualified instructors continues to rise across the UK.
Overcoming Disability Through the Water
Her personal experience highlights the programme’s impact.
Living with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition affecting central vision, as well as the lung condition Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, a rare genetic disorder which can lead to chronic infections, persistent nasal congestion, and potential infertility. She nevertheless found freedom and strength in the water.
Swimming proved essential to both her wellbeing and her sporting success, carrying her to the international stage.
Since stepping away from competition, she has been keen to give something back through teaching, saying: “Being a swim teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was working with a young girl who had autism.
“Her mother sat by the pool to support her and I just wanted her to feel comfortable.
“Seeing her go from nervous to confident in the water was a real triumph.
“It’s moments like these that make teaching so special.”
Ms Kane also stressed the importance of swimming for water safety in Scotland, saying: “We live in Scotland, surrounded by lochs, lakes, and rivers, so swimming is an essential skill.
“Learning to swim can prevent drownings and it allows you to feel confident in and around water.
“It’s a life skill everyone should have.”
Industry Leaders Praise Inclusive Impact
Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: “Swim teachers like Abby – and all the other enthusiastic and dedicated Learn to Swim teachers across Scotland – are at the heart of the Learn to Swim programme, helping children and adults of all ages and abilities to learn to swim in a safe way to grow their skills, build confidence, and inspire them take on challenges both in and out of the water.”
John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said Ms Kane’s story embodies the programme’s inclusive vision, saying: “Abby’s story is a testament to the inclusivity and far-reaching benefits of the Learn to Swim programme.
“Our vision is not just about teaching an essential life skill but also about building confidence and promoting lifelong health benefits.
“We are proud to have Abby inspiring others to take the plunge and discover the joys of swimming.”
Featured Image Credit: John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons
