07/06/2026
🌊 A little Tide family story - The Abraham’s
This morning I wanted to acknowledge a really special Tide family - The Abraham’s
Carrie, Nardos, Jack and Theo have been part of Tide for such a long time, and it has been so lovely to teach both boys and watch their confidence, skills and love of the water grow.
Jack, their eldest, started swimming with me in April 2021.
This was also around the time I started hosting Tide Swim Academy lessons from The Forest School - a pool I have completely fallen in love with, and one that has become such a special part of Tide.
At the time, I think Jack and I were both nervous.
Jack was 5 years old and wasn’t keen on the idea of getting into the water. I was also taking a huge leap of faith, building Tide into what I hoped it could become.
We both had to be brave.
Jack first started with Tide alongside a close friend. Both boys were obviously unsure and very much out of their comfort zone. I smiled, Jack smiled and since then, that smile has remained.
Sometimes Jack has needed reassurance, but each week he shows up, keeps trying, keeps smiling, and keeps moving forward.
Over the years, Jack has gently worked through so much with me and my teaching assistants - from safely entering the water, getting his face wet, floating, blowing bubbles, kicking his legs, travelling new distances, developing his arm movements, using goggles, jumping in, submerging, developing his push and glide technique, mastering the major strokes including butterfly, being comfortable and confident in deeper water, water safety skills and so much more.
(Ohhh the amount of times we have smiled whilst mastering backstroke reciting the words ‘chin, chin, chin, chin, chin, chin... chin’ 😂😂)
The whole process has been amazing to watch, and to be a part of.
Whilst on their family holiday in Crete in the summer of 2025, Theo (Jacks younger brother) decided he was now ready to put all of those times he had watched his brother Jack poolside, into action himself.
Jack was there providing gentle guidance, as a super supportive brother should and it was such a special full-circle moment for the family and seeing the videos was heartwarming for us too.
In September 2025, aged 6, it was then Theo’s turn to join us. And wow, he has been brilliant.
Again, we are working through each skill with him and watching his confidence grow week on week. If something feels tricky, we slow it down, support him, and master it together.
Theo is now able to swim at least 10 metres on his front and back, across three strokes, which we will continue to refine, as well as introducing the harder butterfly stroke.
He can now confidently jump in, fully submerge, pop up, take a breath, and either star float on his back or tread water for a short while, before getting himself safely back to the entry point.
From not being keen on the water before summer 2025, that is incredible progress.
That is what I love about Tide.
This story is such a fantastic example of what we strive for with all of our families - real relationships, building trust and consistently ensuring that every child swimming with Tide feeling supported in a way that works for them.
It is not just about rushing through stages.
It is about patience, consistency, trust, relationships and celebrating every little win along the way.
I have always said my Tide families are held so close to my heart, and stories like this are exactly why.
Families like The Abraham’s have taught me more than they could ever realise. I have loved learning along the way too. Learning what helps each child to progress, what builds trust, what creates confidence, and how powerful it is when children feel truly supported.
Thank you to The Abraham’s for being such a lovely part of Tide Swim Academy 💛
Myself and team would love to support more families in the way we do best - with care, consistency, patience, encouragement and lessons tailored to the swimmer in front of us.
We have 6 lessons left this term, which is a lovely way for new families to experience our approach before September.
📍 The Forest School, RG41 5NE
🗓 Sundays
⏱ 30-minute lessons
💷 6-week block: £99
💛 Payment options available
📩 Message us to find the best session for your swimmer.
Tide Swim Academy Tide
Nurture • Develop • Grow 🌙🌊
