Omie in her own words:
“I’m a keen swimmer and swim teacher, having worked in the leisure industry since 2013. In my teaching role I've worked with a variety of different ages and abilities both in the UK and abroad.
I have been exploring the issue of diversity in aquatics and the leisure industry with my own project titled, ‘If 71% of the world is water, how can we feel at home if we don't know how to swim?’.
I currently work for the Black Swimming Association in community engagement and communication and volunteer in my spare time for Pride in Water, and work as a volunteer swim host for Mental Health Swims in the London region.”
“Swimming has given me so much – employment, friendships and both physical and mental health benefits.”
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Show notes
- Who is Omie
- Her work and love for swimming
- Getting into swimming from a young age
- Her love for teaching people
- Not being able to join a swim club
- Swimming competitively for her school
- Role models who inspired Omie growing up
- What she wanted to be
- Being academic at school
- Talking with non swimmers
- Teaching people how to swim
- Wanting to make people feel as comfortable as possible
- The joy of swimming
- Loving outdoor swimming
- Swimming in London
- The support of the outdoor swimming community
- The stress of swimming in pools
- Advice and tips for outdoor swimming
- Go with experienced people when it’s your first time
- Why you need to be prepared
- Working for the Black Swim Association
- Working on a research project with the University of Portsmouth regarding Bone Density
- Engaging with community leaders across the UK
- Mental Health Swims and being a swim host
- Working with Patagonia in 2021 on the Outsiders Project
- What’s changed in swimming over the past few years
- Plans for 2022 and wanting to go with the flow a bit more
- Managing her mental health and putting herself first
- Needing to talk about other stuff apart from swimming
- Enjoying reading and writing
- Needing a creative outlet
- Connect with Omie on the socials
- Final words of advice
- The power of community
- Being surrounded by people who are proud of you and support you
Social Media