Julie-ann James - Gold Coast, Australia.
My favourite toy was a water hose. Thus began my fascination with water.
“I remember swimming many afternoons when aged three years in the Parramatta River (Sydney), the Yarramundi Reserve (Richmond, Sydney) and on Sundays at Stanmore Park beach (south coast NSW). Swimming adventures seemed to always be a big part of our family’s happy times, even though growing up in the western suburbs of Sydney required significant travel time to reach our preferred swimming spots. My brother, Stephen, and I loved swimming and exploring these water playlands.
“I loved the water so much, and my grandfather, Pop, insisted Stephen and I needed to know how to swim and be water safe. During these early years we travelled with Pop to the swimming pool at Young, NSW. I soon learnt to swim a length 50 freestyle. He was so proud.
“Our family holidays were usually chosen to be close to the water where we could play and swim most of the day. I lived in my swimming costume. Mum and Dad regularly needed to remind me to stop for lunch. Mum was strong on teaching us about the danger spots in the many watery places we played in, and what to do if we were caught in reeds or in a current.
“Another early achievement was my junior ‘swim and first aid’ award with Royal Life Saving. I learnt so much working my way through this award, an interest that has stayed with me ever since; growing my water safety knowledge remains a passion to this day.
“I recall the pure fun of recreational swimming, the early years of swim races at the Blacktown Swimming Pool on Friday nights and weekend interclub swim carnivals, often racing at the iconic North Sydney Olympic pool. I often won, which felt great and makes these memories even better.
“Winning these races meant I was selected to join the more serious squads. I was only seven and I remember being the small fry swimmer amongst older children who were focused and determined swimming trainers; so much more than me at the time. Before long I was swimming laps every morning and every afternoon after school. But four hours a day squad training from aged 7 years to 12 years was not always fun. Dick Caine was my coach at the time. A legend coach, but a hard task master. I used to swim my freestyle with a bilateral breathing pattern. Often, instead of it being a “1, 2, 3 breath” pattern, it became a “1, 2, 3 cry” routine. I was finding the sessions too hard, too rigorous and too serious.
“Although it wasn’t always enjoyable, especially on the cold days, Dick made me stronger and gave me the determination to succeed, which I still have to this day.
“I realise the days under his watch taught me the positive traits of dedication, determination, focus, drive and appreciation.
“I didn’t realise it at the time but growing up in Australia truly gave me so many water adventures. I was so lucky.”
Julie-ann with the water hose
Swimming has not only been my passion it has been my life journey
“My journey is unique. From the young child training four-hours per day, often in tears, to being a competitive swimmer, life-long values were developed; commitment, dedication, and the drive to succeed.
“When aged 21 my swimming passion transitioned from ‘the swimmer’ into ‘the swim teacher’.
“I left my job as a supervisor at the head office of Westpac George St, Sydney, to move to the Gold Coast with friends. I initially started squad training at Pizzy Park Pool, but after watching the teachers and coaches in action, I wanted to become a teacher more than continue being a swimmer. It was a light bulb moment. I found my vocation, soon becoming a qualified swim teacher while at the same time working as a lifeguard at Wet and Wild Water Park. My water career had begun.
“Soon after I started swim teaching, I identified I needed to obtain more knowledge to specialize in teaching infants. I could see parents needed more education to support their children’s swimming lessons, not only how, but why their babies reacted to certain exercises. Researching was a challenge. It was before one was able to access material on the internet, and textbooks on infant swimming were not readily available. Self-learning about infant swim teaching evolved, but I learnt best by applying my knowledge with observation and being hands-on. So at age 24 I left Australia aiming to research baby swimming in as many countries as possible.
“Arriving in the UK as a backpacker in 1989, my initial job was a lifeguard at the Porchester Centre, London, where I also took the opportunity to establish a multi-cultural community swimming group, as well as giving diving lessons. The centre is an incredibly old pool, with a very interesting history. Built in 1923-1925 for public baths, it acted as both a swimming pool and a laundry, all in one.
“My continual search for information relating to infant aquatics saw me travel to Switzerland for courses, as well as Italy, Greece & Spain. During these days I taught swimming, often in private homes, giving me the funds to continue travelling and learning.
“Within a year I returned to the Porchester Centre, to teach swimming to all age groups and abilities, including my own infant lessons. The interest in these lessons grew quickly and attracted interest from the local media. London Today, a current affairs TV show, interviewed me, as did Anneka Rice for her TV show, Capital Women. Interest in what I was doing exploded.
“Being young, ambitious and determined I took the risk to start my own business, Aquababies, teaching at multiple locations including the Porchester Centre, Kensington Sports Centre and the Jubilee Sports Centre. I taught the Prime Minister’s son, Diplomats, Rockstars and many other London celebrities’ children.
“Creating a business which benefited families so much gave me a deep sense of purpose. Within three years the Aquababies program was being taught across 40 pools. Not bad for a backpacker who had no plans to stop in the UK.
“I am sincerely grateful to have found my vocation in life, and now 32 years later, I am still as keen as I ever was.”
And your own swimming Julie-ann?
“I now swim to keep fit and to appreciate the ocean at my local beaches on the Gold Coast (Australia) where I currently live.
“In early 2020 I kicked off a series of Aquababies clinics throughout Australia but COVID took over, and I was locked down. Borders were quickly shut.
“Having not lived in Australia for near 30 years, I embraced the change and settled into the Queensland way of life. Sun and sand, living close to Kirra beach.
“I aim to swim at least twice a week, swimming between Kirra and North Kirra surf clubs.
“These swims are only 20 minutes, not much of a challenge, but my hard swimming days are over, swimming is for health, mindfulness and enjoyment. The ocean swims are my time.
“I also aim to include a few laps at the pools where I conduct the Aquababies courses I present. When in the pool I have a set routine which works for me. I swim 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly. I repeat this set. Once I have completed the two sets I like to finish my swim with two 50m of side-stroke, one left-arm lead, the other right. This 900m routine in 20 minutes is perfect for me.”
Describe your ideal swim Julie-ann
“It is in the ocean. I swim through different water depths where the water colours change. I can see colourful fish, turtles and rays swimming naturally. A place where responsible swimmers venture, creating no harm to the environment or local water species (and ideally where sharks don’t go!)”
Supporting causes
“I am always interested to support charities who use swimming as their fundraising activity.
“Previously I have supported the Starlight Super Swim fundraiser in Australia.
“In the UK I became involved in the Charities British Heart Foundation and Swimathon.
“One of most memorable swimming moments was when I swam with my friend’s daughter, Tanya Edwards, for a charity swim in Bayswater London.
“I had taught Tanya to swim at this same pool, the Porchester Centre when she was an infant.
“Tanya was the only black swimmer and, at 12 years old, the youngest to swim on this particular day. Our plan was to share 200 lengths of the 30m pool as a two-person team. But Tanya swam the distance herself. I was so proud of her. It is an incredibly special moment, witnessing someone I had taught years before confidently completing the 6km of swimming. She was exhausted. I was proud.”
Where are the best places you have swum and recommend to other swimmers?
“For natural beauty I recently swam at the awe-inspiring Lake McKenzie (Fraser Island, Queensland) It is a ‘perched’ lake, which means it contains only rainwater. The sand and organic matter at the base of the lake form an impervious layer, preventing rainwater from draining away. It’s magical.
“When visiting the Gold Coast I suggest;
· North Kirra beach – swimming along the coastline is beautiful.
Lake McKenzie - Queensland, Australia
Is there a ‘bucket list’ swim you are determined to tick-off?
“I have always wanted to swim at Devil's Pool Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
“You can swim in the pool which straddles the edge of falls. But it may be some time before we can travel so now on my bucket list is to explore Western Australia’s Kimberley region. There are so many beautiful places to swim.”
Aquababies global
“My mission has always been to raise awareness to have swimming being acknowledged as an essential life skill, and aquatic exercise to be classified as in the health and wellness sector.
“I was invited to open the first education-based baby swim schools in China, Turkey and Cyprus. Introducing swimming to a variety of cultures and embracing our differences is tremendously rewarding. Water means so much to so many, irrespective of where they live.
“My aspirations are high. Working with single swim schools across 16 countries to working with governing bodies to help create baby and toddler swimming curriculums. I believe the teaching curriculum should provide a balance of theory and practical education, be based on safety, with emphasis on learning by play, with structure and sensory techniques.
“Aquababies has been a tremendously satisfying journey, and is still going strong today. From my early years of teaching infants, I continue to gain immense pleasure working with the parents and babies as they start their own aquatic journeys.”
Final thoughts Julie-ann
“Swimming has helped my mental health tremendously. It helped me as I reset my life on the Gold Coast, after 30 years away from Australia. When I faced significant business challenges in 2020 swimming was there for me.
“Working in the industry, especially helping new teachers gain their qualifications and start their teaching career is extremely rewarding.
“My love of swimming in the ocean helps me stay positive and makes me feel grateful in many ways.
“My swimming journey, from being a young competitive swimmer gave me the strength, courage, determination, drive and passion to become the businesswoman I am today.”
