The Kapiti Learn to Swim team
I’m Mandi Mckenzie and I would like to tell you a bit about myself, my history and how Kapiti learn to Swim evolved. I am a Kapiti Coaster born and bred! I married a Kapiti Coaster and have 4 children and numerous grandchildren. All of who are water babies.
I was a competitive swimmer throughout the late 60’s and 70’s and I came from a very aquatic orientated family. We all swam (some competitively) and 3 of us ended up teaching at Learn to Swim.
It has always been where I feel at home. Basically, being in the water and with children is my natural habitat. Kapiti Learn to Swim was conceived and born here on the Kapiti Coast back in October 1994. I was teaching swimming 15 years before then so already had a lot of experience and knowledge to build my business.
For many years now I have taught 1000’s of Kapiti Coasters (mostly) children and adults to swim. All of my time in the pool to date, working with families and children has meant my knowledge and confidence has grown to such an extent that it has been my compass for the business. It is very important that the swimming journey is an enjoyable journey for all our swimmers.
New Zealand's drowning rate is appalling. I believe water Safety should be ‘top of mind’ for every parent. Supervising and practising safe water practices we believe are our best defence to drowning.
I 100% believe in our program and I want to encourage you to jump on board and enjoy the ride.
Jacqui
Hi, I'm Jacqui a mother of 4 busy children. Teaching the children of Kapiti the gift of swimming and water safety brings me joy and pleasure every time, I am very strongly driven by spreading the water safety message and working towards bringing our drowning statistics down. Installing confidence in children allowing them to reach their goals and dreams is priceless. We have a fabulous team spirit at KLTS and this shines through in all areas within our swim school....Love what you do and you never have to work a day in your life!
Current first aid certificate
Swimming New Zealand early childhood certificate
National certificate in Early childhood education (L3)
Charlotte
Hi, I'm Charlotte. I chose this job for my love of kids and enthusiasm for swimming. The best part about being a swim teacher is watching the kids develop their confidence, as well as knowing I played a part in their achievement. I hold a current first aid certificate, National certificate in ECE and care (L3) Swimming New Zealand Swim Teacher Award.
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Sarah
Hi, I have been teaching swimming since 2016 with the Waikane swimming club, it is a real passion of mine. I am a trained Early childhood teacher and hold my current first aid.
Sammy
Hello, I'm Sammy. Swimming is and has always been a huge part of my life. I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years competing regionally, nationally and internationally. I have been teaching and coaching swimming on and off for the last 10 years between my own swimming and university studies. I absolutely love that I have the privilege to teach the next generation and share my love of the water with them.
Jazmin
Hi, I'm Jazmin. I have been involved in swimming for the majority of my life and learnt to swim here when I was younger. I am passionate about teaching children how to swim in a fun and enjoyable way, as well as boosting their confidence and teaching them important skills they will be able to use forever. It is very special being able to build connections with children and be a part of there progress in their swimming journey. I also have a current first-aid certificate as well as a certificate in teacher of swimming and water safety
Evie
Hi my name is Evie. I’m passionate about teaching kids and I love swimming. It brings me joy to teach in such a supportive community and family friendly environment, and to see the kids having fun while learning and developing water safety, skills and confidence.
My core passion is music, especially violin, where I developed my passion for teaching through teaching children overseas and in New Zealand suzuki style violin, bringing in a wide range of foundation teaching fundamentals. I love travel, music, people and spending time outdoors. I feel so lucky to be a part of the Kapiti learn to swim team.