ABout us
Our Story
Back in 1997 Dawn Kearney had been working for a number of years as a swimming instructor for one of the local swimming pools. It is here where Dawn developed a passion for teaching children of all ages how to swim along with the importance of water safety.
However, keen to reach and help out as many children in the community as possible, Dawn and her colleague Debbie decided to set up on their own and open a specialist swim school in the area. So in the spring of 97, the swimming academy was born. Originally know as Dawn and Debbie’s Academy of Swimming, the company was rebranded in 2000 as the Torridgeside & Taw Academy of Swimming (TTAS), following the appointment of Neil Paddon.
Fast forward to 2024 and with the business well established and strong team around them, Dawn and Neil, as they move towards retirement, have decided to take a step back and pass the management of the swim school to Dawn’s son Arron and his wife Emma.
Our Key Values
Over the last 27 years the Swimming Academy has always been founded upon some key values.
Small Tuition Groups
Small tuition groups offer a tailored approach to swimming lessons, ensuring that each child receives the attention they need to thrive in the water. With a smaller class size, our instructors can focus on individual progress, helping children build confidence and master new skills at their own pace.
The intimate setting of our swimming sessions creates a supportive environment where children feel comfortable to take risks and challenge themselves. They forge bonds with fellow swimmers, fostering a sense of friendship and teamwork that enhances the learning experience.
Here at TTAS we offer Preschool lesson with a maximum of 4 in a group, and for our older children with offer lessons with a maximum of 6 to a group.
We assess each child before offering them a time slot as we don’t believe in booking children in to just any available space. It is important to us that they are placed in a group suitable to their ability and we work with every parent/guardian to find the best solution.
Fun, Friendly and Inviting Atmosphere
At our swim school, we believe in blending learning with fun. While our lessons are structured and educational, we also incorporate games and activities to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. By combining skill-building with enjoyment, we ensure that every child leaves our sessions not only a better swimmer but also with a smile on their face.
We always ensure the pool remains at 32 degrees as we feel the warm ambiance of the swimming pool adds to overall experience. We believe that if the children feel comfortable and relaxed then not only will they be more receptive to learning new skills but the comfort of a nice warm pool enhances the enjoyment of the swimming lessons.
Talk to us
Have any questions? We would love to hear from you to discuss how we can help with you child’s swimming progress.