Our Team…
Has a lifetime of experience and incredible adventures that have made us the passionate swimming coaches we are today.
But why are we so driven to go above and beyond?
Here’s why…
How Are We Unique?
SEN children are often limited by restricted teaching styles that don’t take their personal needs into account.
But here at Kernow Lighthouse we have a can-do perspective.
Our swimming tutors take the time with each learner to understand their needs, what motivates and engages them - and how we can tailor each session accordingly.
With a splash of creativity, out-the-box thinking (and a whole lot of fun!) we know that each learner can thrive in the water.
We also take time to get to know our children’s parents/carers and to extend our support to them.
Julia Raines
I began competitive swimming at just age 9, and started coaching at 16. Then, while studying law at University, I competed as a Master’s Swimmer in London.
But I’m not just a trained lifeguard, competitive swimmer and coach. I have also had the incredible experience of being the Head Coach at Carn Brea and Helston Swimming Club until July 2022, and Head of Swimming at Truro School since 2007.
And after taking on the challenge of open water swimming in 2015, I embarked on my biggest adventure yet…
An open water swim in the icy winter of 2021/2022, called the ‘Polar Bear Challenge’. This nerve-racking event involves swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes, in just a swimming costume.
I completed the Polar Bear Challenge that year with a huge smile on my face - and an even deeper understanding of what it’s like to face your fears. I understand the great level of courage required to begin a new challenge, and the patience, support and dedication it takes to help others do the same.
I can truly say that I have the best job in the world.
Qualifications
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Parent and Child Teacher - Level 2 Swimming Coach
Pool lifeguard qualified - Royal Life Saving Society
Autism Awareness Level 2
Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming
Experience
Truro School - Head of Swimming 2007 – current
Carn Brea and Helston Swimming Club 2007:
Head Coach 2020 – July 2022
County Squad Coach 2018 - 2020
Junior Squad Coach 2014 - 2018 Voluntary Swimming Teacher, Helston Swimming Club 2011 - 2013
Sym Swim Swim School 2007 to 2014
St Ives Leisure Centre – Swim School 2007 - 2009
Amy Kiellor-Jolly
My mother being a swimming teacher means that I have been in the water since 3 months old.
I started at my local Carn Brea Swimming Club, and trained for hours to perfect my stroke technique, gain water confidence, and prepare for club, county and team competitions. And then I started racing - arena leagues, Cornwall and West Devon competitions, county championships and, soon after, becoming qualified for regional championships.
At age 7, I joined Hayle Surf Life Saving Club, later training for Cornish and national competitions.
At 13, I had already begun assisting in the water alongside another coach, and it was there that my love for teaching children to swim really flourished. At 16, I passed my Level 1 swimming teaching certificate, and 2 years later I completed Level 2.
And at 17, I undertook one of my most exciting adventures yet: traveling to Montpellier, France, to compete at the world championships in surf life saving.
I also hold a RLSS pool lifeguard certificate, which I use as a Lifeguard at Hayle outdoor pool and Truro Prep.
And of course, living in Cornwall means that every aspect of my life is tied to the water. From sea swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, snorkeling and exploring around the coast, the water has become my home.
Qualifications/Experience
Level 1 Swimming Teacher
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Pool Lifeguard Certificate RLSS
Hayle Surf Life Saving
Hayle Pool + Truro Prep Lifeguarding
Truro Prep Swim Coach
Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming
Jowen Dupuy
Like many children my first experience of swimming lessons was via my Primary School when I was 5.
At 10 I was entering competitions and became the U12 intermediate champion. Gaining gold in 50m Breaststroke and 100m Backstroke at the County Championships, I was then motivated to qualify for the Regional competitions when I was 16.
Alongside my own swimming training I had regularly assisted at Truro Swimming Club and realised I enjoyed teaching others.
Initially qualifying as a pool lifeguard I have formalised my experience and also gained my Level 1 and 2 teaching Qualification.
Throughout my childhood I was involved in Surf Life Saving Club and was always on the beach. I love surfing, sea swimming and kayaking. This lead me to becoming a Beach Lifeguard, and spending my Summer lifeguarding in the sun.
Qualifications/Experience
Level 1 Swimming Teacher
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Pool Lifeguard Certificate RLSS
Truro Swimming Club Assistant
Beach Lifeguard
Hayley Walker
I started my swimming career in Northampton at the age of 4 and was soon involved in the world of competition. My hard work and dedication saw me swim at National Level.
My mum established SWIMS (swim with Maggie Sharp) approx. 25 years ago and I would often be found demonstrating and volunteer assisting with the lessons. Realising that I had a desire to share my passion for the water and a love of helping people on their own swimming path, I gained my Level 2 teaching qualification in 2016 and my Baby & Preschool certificate in early 2017. Initially I taught with Aqualight and at SWIMS.
In 2019 I took a position with the local council delivering the swimming programme to schools whilst continuing to also teach alongside mum.
Following COVID mum sold her business and my family and I relocated to Cornwall. It was following this move I came across the newly established Squidlets Swim School. We have the same desire to ensure as many as possible are able to access the opportunity to achieve the life skill that is swimming.
Qualifications/Experience
Baby & Preschool Swimming Teacher
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Aqualight and SWIMS Teacher
Swimming competitively at a National level
Some kind words …
“The BEST swimming school ever! We love you! Caring, kind, sensitive and patient. You have all given my girls the best start in swimming. I am so grateful for everything you have done and continue to do for them. Thank you.”
Ashley and Mike
