Name: Lizzie Ryan

Age: 17

Discipline: Swimming

Brief Blog: I started volunteering for Durham City Aquatics because I needed to complete my volunteering hours for DofE, and I thought it would be fun to do it for the club I had been a part of for 10 years as a swimmer. Then after the first few sessions volunteering, I realised how much I loved coaching and sharing my passion for swimming with the younger swimmers. So, then I decided I wanted to be the best coach possible and wanted to learn as much as I could about coaching and aquatics in general. With Swim England when I was 15 I did all the courses and took every opportunity that was given to me. I did the Inclusive Activity Programme and I volunteered at as many national events and even the International Para World Series as a kit carrier. Then, when I turned 16, I went on to do the National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification, my level 1 Swim Teacher course and my level 2 Swim Teacher course (while studying for my GCSEs).

Then most recently through the emails I was sent by Swim England I found out about an opportunity to go on the Swim England North East Region Youth Forum and I applied as I wanted the opportunity to improve swimming more widely for young people. I got a place on this forum and so far I have really enjoyed working with other young people and collaborating about what we think needs improvement.

Young volunteers wanting to learn more aquatic skills to develop themselves should consider the various opportunities that are available to them These are available to view by clicking here.