We caught up with Frankie Woodcock at the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood, one of our bustling swimming venues. Frankie was right in the middle of training our newest instructors, showing them the ropes and teaching the finer points of the Swimming Nature method. But in between demonstrating perfect strokes and offering guidance, she found a few minutes for a quick chat.

In the world of swimming instruction, having the right teacher can make all the difference. At Swimming Nature, that expert is Frankie Woodcock, our Head of Training. 

With over 10 years of experience at Swimming Nature and a passion for helping swimmers of all ages excel, Frankie has become an integral part of our team. Her journey in swimming began with a deep love for the water – and if there was an Olympic event for enthusiasm, she’d have a gold medal.

“Swimming is more than just moving through the water,” Frankie explains with a smile. “It’s about understanding how the water responds to your movements and learning to work with it, not against it. That’s what we teach at Swimming Nature.”

“Swimming is more than just moving through the water…”

Frankie believes that great swimming lessons are about much more than simply getting children into the water. It’s about how they learn, how they feel, and how they build confidence. She emphasises the importance of personalised attention, ensuring that each child has the chance to progress at their own pace. For Frankie, the best results come when children have a focused coach who understands their unique needs. “One size doesn’t fit all – and I’m not just talking about swim caps!”

Swimming Nature’s philosophy is clear: floatation aids are a barrier to true skill development. By teaching children to swim naturally, without floats or armbands, they build genuine water confidence from day one. “We don’t use floatation aids because they create a false sense of security,” says Frankie. “Instead, we help children become comfortable with the water, so they develop real skills.”

As Head of Training, Frankie has a vital role in mentoring and training new instructors, sharing her insights and helping them develop the skills needed to inspire confidence and competence in their students. “Watching new instructors grow, seeing them embrace our method, and then witnessing the impact they make on their students – that’s the best feeling.”

But what exactly is the Swimming Nature method, and why is it so effective? According to Frankie, it’s all about breaking down strokes into their fundamental movements and building them up gradually. “We don’t just teach children to swim; we teach them to understand the water. Our method breaks each stroke down to its essential movements, allowing children to master each element before bringing it all together.”

Unlike many traditional methods, Swimming Nature instructors teach from within the water, providing hands-on support and real-time feedback. This approach ensures children gain confidence faster and develop strong, natural swimming techniques.

“Our instructors are in the water with their students. That’s how we guide them, support them, and help them feel the water,” Frankie emphasises.

For parents looking to support their child’s swimming journey, Frankie has simple but powerful advice:

“Don’t shy away from water. Make it fun – whether it’s splashing in puddles, exploring in the bath, or showering their head. Building confidence starts with positive experiences around water, and even the smallest moments can make a big difference.”

Frankie’s dedication to swimming education is clear, and her insights are a testament to her expertise. At Swimming Nature, she ensures that every lesson is more than just time spent in the pool – it’s a step toward mastering a life skill.

Interested in experiencing the Swimming Nature difference? Find your nearest pool.