About Us
Established in 2018 by a team of qualified and experienced swimming professionals, aswim uk is dedicated to developing resources for swimming teachers and tutors as well as parents.
These resources include the pioneering SwimPix cards, for use both in the classroom and the pool. In 2024 the SwimPix pack has been revised "Learn with SwimPix" and is ideal for any teaching and learn to swim environment. There is now an affordable "Teachers Set" enabling swimming teachers to "Grab and go" taking their own set to the pool when teaching especially at different venues. We are in development to expand the sets available enabling teachers to add more to their collection. Our communication set which is in an A5 size and in a mini version and will be reaching out to all sports with this product.
We have worked with Swim England, Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales developing resources for their own programmes.
Our ‘Break it Down’ book shares my many years of experience and offers some guidance and top tips; giving suggestions on planning, inclusion and adaptation. Written to be used with SwimPix (available separately) which bring the book illustrations to life in the pool.
It shows how to use SwimPix with our Displays and gives ideas on how to use our Communication and Water Safety Sets. The book also features a pathway preparing swimmers for their first lesson using a social story, as well as suggestions further along the pathway for building confidence in new swimmers for both teachers and parents. This book ‘breaks down’ aquatic and water safety skills and the four competitive strokes using Body position, Leg action, Arm action, Breathing, Timing (BLABT), alongside teaching practices, teaching points and game activity suggestions.
Accessories are also available including displayboards for "Now and Next", "Sequences boards" and "Storyboards" for SwimPix. We have a demonstration doll that can be moved to show different stroke positions.
With special consideration for pupils with additional needs, aswim aims to provide resources that help make teaching swimming a positive, fun, and engaging experience for all.
aswim was founded by Alison Bell and Tim Arundel with the support of other swimming professionals.
Alison Bell
Alison was a GB National Synchronised Swimmer and GB National Coach for Synchronised Swimming from 1989 to 1996.
In 1985, Alison set up her own ABC Swim School and still gets a buzz from teaching and coaching swimming. She has a wealth of experience with all age groups including many learners with special educational needs.
The experienced and supportive team at ABC has helped Alison pilot many new teaching and coaching ideas, including SwimPix which proved a major help to ABC’s special needs children. Alison also teaches swimming teachers and co-founded Aquability Training, a Swim England approved tutoring centre.
Alison’s day to day experience of autism and dyslexia gave her a passion to develop solutions to enhance learning for all. She has written several continuing professional development seminars and her vision is for aswim to continue to develop resources to aid learning, reduce anxiety and promote fun in education.
Tim Arundel
Tim is a successful freelance illustrator and graphic designer. He has worked in public and private sectors of education and training for over 30 years.
In 2013, whilst continuing his illustration and design work, Tim qualified as a Swim England Level 2 Swimming Teacher. He teaches at ABC Swim School and works extensively with one to one swimming lessons and children with special needs.
Tim developed the branding and graphics for SwimPix, honing the illustrations as the cards were trialled. The resulting cards meet the needs of teachers and are understood easily by pupils covering the widest range of ages and abilities.
With aswim Tim is keen to develop more resources to help make a difference to swimming teachers and their pupils.