Learn to Swim Success: From Poolside Lessons to Paralympic Glory

PASSION and a determination for swimming have driven a Paralympic swimmer to become a dedicated swim teacher, inspiring children across Scotland to learn life-saving swimming skills.

Abby Kane’s journey to Paralympic success began in the pool at just three years old, when she joined the LEARN TO SWIM programme. Abby went on to win a silver medal in the 100-metre backstroke at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The LEARN TO SWIM programme, a joint initiative between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, focuses on providing inclusive and high-quality environments where people of all ages and abilities can learn to swim. Its vision is to create Generation Swim - developing confident, competent and skilled swimmers, while also promoting the broader health and social benefits of swimming both in and out of the pool.

Abby has Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye condition that causes progressive central vision loss, her journey is a perfect example of the programme’s impact, as her determination helped her overcome personal challenges to reach the highest levels in the sport.

Abby reflected on the valuable skills she learned growing up, emphasising why learning to swim is essential: “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.”

Abby’s early involvement in swimming was essential for managing her health, particularly her lung condition, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. She soon found swimming to be an enjoyable and vital part of her life, leading to her success as an athlete on the world stage.

Abby is sharing her story to support the Become a Swim Teacher campaign that runs throughout January, designed to inspire more people to consider a career in swim teaching and help address the growing demand for qualified instructors across the UK.

In 2025, over 500 teachers completed Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) courses, showcasing the increasing interest in swim education.

The national campaign shines a spotlight on the vital role that swim teachers play in equipping children and adults with essential life-saving skills, while also highlighting the rewarding career opportunities available within aquatics.

Even more than that, Abby’s experience as a swimmer has motivated her to become a swim teacher to teach others the invaluable skill she learned as a child and share the joy of swimming: “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.”

Abby’s passion for teaching is not just about swimming technique: “It’s about developing confidence, building trust and ensuring every child feels safe.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up when they master something new.”

Becoming a swim teacher has also helped Abby grow as a person: “I’ve learned so much about patience, communication and how to break things down into simpler steps. It’s definitely made me more confident in myself.”

The importance of learning to swim cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to water safety, claims Abby: “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.”

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, added: “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.

“Becoming a swim teacher is an amazing opportunity for people to make a difference and be part of creating a meaningful legacy for Scotland, helping people of all ages learn to swim and to be safer in and around water.”

John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, commented: “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.”

Those inspired to #BecomeASwimTeacher will be supported through the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ), the industry-standard route for anyone looking to teach swimming independently to groups of all abilities.

For more information on the teaching courses, visit https://scottishswimming.com/events/events-calendar/qualifications

For more information on Learn to Swim can be found on its website: https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim