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Meet the team

The people behind TriSwim.

Coaches, lake managers, lifeguards and movement coaches who genuinely love the water — and make sure every swim is safe, welcoming and yours.

Head coach

Science-backed coaching, built around you.

Laura founded TriSwim in 2015 and leads every part of our coaching and safety programme.

Head Coach · Founder

Laura Ansell

Swimming has been a passion close to my heart since childhood — days spent with Dad on Sunday afternoons grew into an appreciation for the technical side of teaching swimming. That enthusiasm is still alive today; as an ultra-endurance open water swimmer and coach it drives me to give everyone the skills they need to take on any challenge, in the pool or in open water. My methods are backed by science but flexible, so we can build something tailored to you and let you grow at your own pace.

Certified Swim Smooth CoachBSc Applied Sport ScienceTutor Assessor — Pool & Open WaterOpen Water Safety Officer to Sport EnglandBTF Level 2 Triathlon CoachBritish Swimming Level 3 Coaching SwimmingBritish Swimming Level 2 Teaching SwimmingBritish Swimming Level 2 Coaching Open WaterSTA Level 2 Coaching Open WaterSTA Level 2 Teaching SwimmingSTA Parent & Baby SpecialistShaw Method Level 2RNLI AmbassadorSTA Ambassador

Lake crew

Familiar faces on the bank every week.

Lake managers, coaches and lifeguards who set up, look after you in the water and know everyone's name.

Lake Manager

Debbie

I'm newer to TriSwim but swimming is in my blood — I'm a swim-Mum and I love chatting about anything to do with swimming. With a background in education, most recently in a supportive role at a Grammar School, I'm very much your go-to person for all things supportive and nurturing while you're visiting us. I'm naturally chatty and sociable, so please pop along and say hi!

Open Water Coach

Lauren Dawber

Open water coach and Swim Smooth enthusiast, Lauren helps swimmers of all levels find confidence and rhythm in the lake.

STA Level 2 Open WaterSTA Level 2 Teaching SwimmingBTF Level 1 Triathlon CoachSwim Smooth enthusiast

Lake Manager · Lifeguard

Lauren

Lauren has been with us since TriSwim was founded in 2015 and is a hugely integral part of all we do. She's also training to be a nurse, works at a local GP, and is Mum to two little rascals. “I love being at the lakes and helping others enjoy them too — it's truly my happy place, even in the rain! I also love the admin side of TriSwim, so if you have questions about memberships or swim tickets, feel free to ask me.”

Head Lifeguard

Sam

Hi, I'm Sam — a competitive swimmer at British National level and an open water swimmer. Alongside helping to keep you safe in the water, you'll likely spot me training in the lakes. I've swum for charity, including raising funds for Brains Matter, which supports people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Movement coaches

Yoga and movement to support your swimming.

Ann and Candice specialise in yoga and movement, helping you build mobility, breath control and recovery around your time in the water.

Movement Coach · Yoga

Ann Christensen

Originally from Copenhagen, Ann brings together mindful movement and creative photography. Trained in Hatha and Vinyasa in Bali, Aerial Yoga in New York, Yoga Therapy in Los Angeles and mindfulness-based yoga in Greece, her sessions meet you where you are — focusing on how a pose feels, not how it looks.

More about Ann →

Movement Coach · Yoga & Qigong

Candice Machtus

Based in Tonbridge, Kent, Candice teaches yoga, Qigong, Yin and Yoga Nidra for people who are tired of being tired. Her calm, inclusive, beginner-friendly sessions focus on gentle movement, breathwork and deeply restorative practices that help you release tension and sleep better.

Visit Candice Yoga →