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Northern Ireland's Leading
Inclusive Aquatic Programme
We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment for children of all abilities to learn essential water safety skills and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of swimming. Our team of experienced instructors and clinically led aquatic therapy experts help each Buddie develop water confidence and skills. Swimming Buddies is Autism Swim certified and brought the first inclusive programme of its kind to Europe. The team is led by Sarah-Jane and Joel who have almost 40 years' swim school experience between them. At Swimming Buddies, we believe in the transformative power of water and are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families, helping our Buddies reach their full potential, whilst making friends - and having fun along the way!
Aquatic therapy offers a unique environment that supports physical, emotional, and sensory development in a calm and engaging way. Not only does it help build strength and stability in muscles by moving against the water, it promotes confident movement and co-ordination whilst reducing impact on joints. The water can have a powerful calming effect on your child’s nervous system. The gentle pressure and movement can help your child feel more settled, more focused, and more ready to engage and learn. We use imaginative games, bouncing, reaching, ball play, and gentle challenges to help your child enjoy being active in a way that works for them. Sometimes progress looks like swimming — and sometimes it looks like a splash and a giggle!
Meet Our Team
Welcome to the Swimming Buddies team! As our Buddies are individual learners and view, feel and understand the world in a unique way it means that the teaching process must be unique too. Our expert coaches deliver child centred learning, adaptable to each Buddie's needs, using visual aids, Makaton and supports to help process key swimming and water safety information. Our team is committed to creating a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. Get to know the wonderful people who make Swimming Buddies a special place for children to learn and grow!
- Fun & Friendship through Swimming -
Founder Sarah Jane
Favourite Food: Sushi
Favourite Film: The Shawshank Redemption
Fun Fact: I love to spend time camping on the west coast of Ireland
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"I love that I get to spend every day with our Buddies, their families and our coaches. I feel very lucky!"
Manager Joel
Favourite Food: Mum's Roast Lamb
Favourite Film: Lord of The Rings
Fun Fact: Despite looking cool, I'm a geek at heart & love Warhammer, D&D & Transformers
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"I love to see how the Buddie's confidence grows in the water and seeing them achieve their full potential"
Coach Chris
Favourite Food: Burgers
Favourite Film: The Sonic Movie
Fun Fact: When I'm not teaching I love to play American football
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"I enjoy seeing my Buddies build their confidence and take the leaps of faith in their swimming journeys"
Coach Niamh
Favourite Food: Chicken nuggets & chips
Favourite Film: The Lion King
Fun Fact: I swam with dolphins in Florida!
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“I love seeing our Buddies progress! Especially those moments when they achieve something they once found difficult.”
Coach Mattie
Favourite Food: Chips
Favourite Film: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Fun Fact: I'm autistic and started the programme as a volunteer!
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“I love being in the water and seeing the excitement it brings! I love how at Swimming Buddies all needs can be met, and that it’s not an issue but the norm!”
Coach Pauline
Favourite Food: Seafood
Favourite Film: War Horse
Fun Fact: I love going to the beach, fishing and my motorhome!
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“I love seeing our Buddies grow in confidence and do things, like washing their hair or go swimming as a family"
Coach Holly
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Film: The Barbie Movie
Fun Fact: I love to surf, go paddle-boarding and musicals!
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“I love to see how the Buddie's confidence grows in the water and seeing them achieve their full potential”
Coach Dan
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Film: Good will hunting
Fun Fact: I have two dogs Rockie and Flossie
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“I love to see our Buddies progress in the water and watching the enjoyment they get from their sessionsl”
Coach Martina
Favourite Food: Lasagna & Sunday Roast
Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption
Fun Fact: I once dated a TV star!
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“Our Buddies wee faces just melt my heart, I love their sheer joy in achieving their goals"
Coach Hazel
Favourite Food: Italian or Middle Eastern
Favourite Film: A Beautiful Mind
Fun Fact: I have Sky Dived many times!
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“I love to see our Buddie's recognise what they can do and take joy in it"
Coach Laura
Favourite Food: Wine & Curry
Favourite Film: See no evil, Hear no evil
Fun Fact: I love sci-fi and Marvel or DC comics
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“Getting in the water with my Buddie's brings a sense of calm, even on a hectic day”
Coach Cora
Favourite Food: Steak Sandwich
Favourite Film: The Greatest Showman or Marvel
Fun Fact: I love to travel the world
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“I love to see our Buddie's develop and the smiles when they achieve their targets, little or large!"
Coach Jill
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Film: Gone with the Wind
Fun Fact: I can sing & run a doggy daycare...sometimes at the same time
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“I love spending time with our Buddie's & seeing them progress whislt having fun!”
Coach Steve
Favourite Food: Bacon & Eggs
Favourite Film: Finding Nemo
Fun Fact: I have jumped out of a plane at 10,000ft!
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“I love to see our Buddie's develop their skills, getting to know their personalities & just having fun!"
Physiotherapist Ashleigh
Favourite Food: Lasagne & Chips
Favourite Film: Forrest Gump
Fun Fact: I am scared of chickens
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“To see the joy and happiness on the children’s faces in the water is one of the most rewarding things"