Augusta school provides starting block to swim safety

"My dad always said that you should keep a pen and paper beside your bed because that's when so many brilliant ideas strike," Miss Habel explained, following a class this week at the Augusta hydrotherapy pool.

The then-retail assistant had found herself searching for a career with purpose, offering something that gave back to her community.

"One night I woke up and thought 'Yes! That's what I'll do, I'll teach swimming'."

She promptly fell asleep, and while making her bed the next morning, accidentally sent the note into hiding, where it would not be discovered for another six months during a spring clean.

Realising she had the potential to equip children and families with the skills needed to survive and thrive in the water, Miss Habel embarked on a career that began in Fremantle and took her overseas to share her knowledge.

Coming up to her ninth year teaching in Augusta, Miss Habel said she estimated she had taught "well over two thousand kids" with essential life skills.

"Just to have the skills to save themselves is so important - how to roll themselves over, how to kick, to reach out and find the edge of a pool or just to be able to float - it's truly a privilege to be able to provide that to our community," she said. "There are a lot of good feelings associated with this job, I get to spend the days with beautiful children and their families, it really is a special thing I get to do! My classes are just the starting blocks, I give the children the training they need to be able to pursue further classes in the bigger pools when they get to school.

"The pool is small, quiet and heated to 32 degrees, which is wonderful for young ones and for parents who are learning as well."

Margaret River mum of two Rebecca Simmonds said she was thrilled with results since enrolling her son Ari at 5 months. "The intimate clases mean no child gets overlooked," she said after a class with baby daughter, Ivy. "My kids just clicked with Annie from the get-go so the decision to keep going was an easy one. Ari was not at all confident in the water at first but with Annie's gentle guidance he has become the most confident swimmer.

"She never pushes kids beyond their limits and always tries to make sure lessons are enjoyable. She's so good at reading the kids on an individual level and tailors her approach to suit the child."

30 min classes (max 4 kids per class) run Monday, Wednesday and Friday. To book or for more info call Annie on 0408 907 564.