Behind the Bubbles: A Day in the Life of a DuckstoSharks Instructor

Naim Ahmad
Jul 15
3 min read

Get to Know the Heart of Slough’s Premier 5-Star Swim School

At DuckstoSharks, every splash tells a story — of confidence growing, fears being overcome, and milestones being met. But behind those smiles in the water is a team of dedicated instructors working hard to make each lesson safe, structured, and joyful.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at our swim school? Step into a day in the life of a DuckstoSharks instructor and discover what makes our team truly special.

☀️ 1. Preparing Before the First Splash

Our instructors arrive early, ready to transform the pool into a positive learning space. They review their lesson plans, based on each child’s age, skill level, and recent progress.

Every session is carefully tailored — whether a child is learning to float, perfecting their breaststroke, or conquering backstroke fears. At DuckstoSharks, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all.

➡️ Lesson plans include:

Warm-up games to build trust and loosen up
Stroke focus for the day (e.g., front crawl breathing, kick technique)
Progress milestones and safety drills
Cool-down and confidence building

💬 2. Welcoming Swimmers with Warmth and Encouragement

Children arrive — some excited, others a little nervous. But our instructors greet each child by name, offer a high five, and provide a calm, welcoming energy that reassures parents and students alike.

We take time to check in with each child — asking how they’re feeling and setting mini-goals together for the session ahead.

🏊 3. Teaching with Patience, Passion, and Play

Once in the water, it’s go time! But teaching at DuckstoSharks isn’t about shouting orders or strict drills. It’s about creating a fun and engaging learning experience, using a mix of:

Demonstrations in the water
Games that teach technique (like “kick the rocket” or “bubble races”)
Constant encouragement and positive reinforcement
Gentle corrections with individual attention

Our small group structure ensures no child is overlooked, and every swimmer gets the support they need to thrive.

📋 4. Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins

During each session, instructors note individual progress using internal tracking sheets — observing improvements in:

✔️ Confidence in the water✔️ Stroke technique and breathing✔️ Listening, focus, and independence✔️ Safety and rescue understanding

Big or small, every achievement is celebrated — from a first solo float to a perfect backstroke. We believe that every splash forward deserves applause.

📸 5. Sharing Joyful Moments with Families

At the end of each lesson, instructors speak with parents, sharing updates and tips for improvement. We love letting you know:

What your child did well
What they’re working on next
How proud they should be!

It’s not just about teaching—it’s about building relationships with families and becoming trusted guides in your child’s swim journey.

🫧 More Than a Job — It’s a Mission

For our instructors, teaching isn’t a shift — it’s a passion. Most have years of teaching and competitive swimming experience, along with life-saving certifications and child-first training. But what truly sets them apart is their kindness, patience, and love for the water.

We’re proud to say that at DuckstoSharks, your child is not just learning to swim—they’re being cared for, motivated, and inspired every step of the way.