At British Swim School of Darien-Lemont, our instructors are the heart and soul of what we do. Today, we are thrilled to feature Ms. Rachel, whose personal health journey and passion for water safety make her a beloved teacher among our students and families!
Here is Ms. Rachel’s story in her own words—from overcoming major health obstacles through aquatic fitness to helping local kids and adults build life-saving skills in the pool.
Overcoming Health Challenges Through Aquatic Fitness
“At my heaviest, I weighed 335 pounds. Like many parents, I was juggling PhD coursework, teaching duties, and multiple side jobs while raising my daughter, Evelyn. In the process, I completely neglected my own health. Before long, my body started fighting back, and I was diagnosed with Lupus on top of suffering from chronic migraines.”
When her daughter was two years old, Rachel knew she needed a change. She wanted to be active, live a long, healthy life, and serve as a strong role model. However, Lupus caused severe joint pain, making traditional gym workouts nearly impossible. That was when her personal trainer suggested trying low-impact water exercise.
Rachel bought a swim outfit, stepped out of her comfort zone, and tried a Water Tabata class. She was instantly welcomed by a warm, energetic group of swimmers and an upbeat instructor.
Through consistent aquatic workouts, proper diet, and medical support, Rachel lost 85 pounds while gaining muscle and protecting her joints.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Swimmers
Rachel’s life-changing experience in the water inspired her to pay it forward. When she saw an opportunity to join the team at British Swim School of Darien-Lemont, she jumped at the chance to teach children and adults the incredible benefits of swimming.
Since joining our team, Rachel has lost another 15 pounds—bringing her total weight loss to 100 pounds—and now easily keeps up with her 7-year-old daughter!
Today, Ms. Rachel teaches a wide range of programs at British Swim School of Darien-Lemont, including:
- Survival-First Children’s Swim Lessons: Helping young swimmers build essential water safety foundations.
- Adult Swim Lessons: Supporting adults who want to gain confidence, learn to swim, or improve their health.
- Special Needs / Adaptive Swim Instruction: Providing patient, tailored instruction for swimmers of all abilities.
“Health changes are lifestyle changes. I learned to be patient and just notice the good things: how my clothes fit, how my joints hurt less, how my mental health improved, and how many smiles I get from my students as I help them learn swim skills.” — Ms. Rachel
Swim with Ms. Rachel at British Swim School of Darien-Lemont!
Whether your child is taking their very first splash or you are an adult looking to build confidence in the pool, Ms. Rachel and our dedicated team are here to support your family every step of the way.
Ready to start your swim journey?
View Our Locations & Enroll in a Lesson Today
Call us at (630) 242-2004
Email us at goswimdarien-lemont@britishswimschool.com
