Pete Moore/Contributed

Miguel Jonas, 28, from Gordon Town, was one of the first instructors to be recruited at SwimJamaica. He previously worked as an electrician and a carpenter.

"It was not really doing anything for me. I was not enjoying the work," Miguel said. "My cousin told me to get involved with the SwimJamaica programme so I followed his advice and have not looked back since. Joining has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life."

Miguel was 20 when he first taught himself to swim by watching and learning from others. Now, he has been teaching swimming for seven and a half years, two of those being at SwimJamaica. Miguel took the SwimJamaica course and passed as an instructor. Since then, he has taught all seven levels of the programme, helping children from aged four to adults as old as 85! Having been at SwimJamaica longer than a lot of the other instructors, Miguel likes to consider himself a role model to the newer recruits. "The other instructors come to me for advice and to share experience and guidance," he said.

Like Mark, Miguel obviously has a love for the job he does and a determination along with the other instructors to make the programme work. "The best bit is about being part of something that is so well-organised and structured. I love working with and helping children so this job is perfect for me.

"In my spare time, I sleep! I am up early swimming everyday so if I ever get any time, I try to sleep! I am also busy studying for my O'levels in mathematics and biology. I wanted to do this so that if I am ever unable to coach swimming, I have something to fall back on."

Already qualified as an assessor for levels one and two, Miguel hopes that next term he can progress to levels three and four. The ultimate career goal for him is to become one of the best coaches in Jamaica and to get the whole country swimming. He notes that: "Life is so much better since joining SwimJamaica. I have been able to gain more structure to my life and see where I am going career wise."

To find out more about the SwimJamaica programme, contact the team at the National Stadium Pool, Independence Park, Tel.: (876) 926-1514 or email info@swimjamaica.com.

Mark gives proper directions before taking his young charges into the pool. - Photos by Lianne Robinson