Thushara has a great passion for swimming and ensures every child or adult that he coaches is happy, confident and loves to swim.  He has extensive knowledge of modern swimming techniques and works patiently with the swimmer to ensure they understand and perform these for their own speed and inclusion in competitions.

Prior to coming to the UAE, Thushara was the Sri Lankan National Paralympic Swimming Coach and has worked with children and adults – from teaching them to swim through to training and managing high performance swimming squads.

Thushara is a middle distance open water swimmer and surfing instructor, has a great passion for swimming and ensures every child gets a love for the sport. He has extensive knowledge of modern swimming techniques and works patiently with children. Thushara volunteers with Touch Dubai providing swim lessons for People of Determination.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2018  ASCA Level 4
• 2012  ASCA Level 3
• 2015  White Water Rescue
• 2015  Shiftwater Rescue Technician 1
• 2022  STA International Lifesaving Course for Swimming Teachers
• 2023  Child Safeguarding in an Aquatic Environment
• 2023  Swim Angels Level 1 Adaptive Swim Whispers
• 2023  Pool Lifeguard
• 2024  STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming
• 2024  STA Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Teaching
• 2024  International Diploma in Special Needs Education (Level 4)
• 2025  RLSS Lifeguard Tutor Trainer

INTERESTS:

• Surfing and going to the beach
• Gemstones from Sri Lanka

Matt has a love for swimming that shines through in his coaching. He is currently studying Physiology and Psychology which brings a performance mindset to his coaching and helps get the best from his swimmers. As a competitive swimmer and water polo player his fitness and swimming make him one to be watched!

As a competitive swimmer from South Africa, Matt has LIVED swimming. He has been swimming competitively since 9 years old, he is Still Water Lifeguarding certified and also played Water Polo at a regional level. As a coach, he is critical on technique, which makes the difference for swimmers at a higher level. Matt is our Program Leader for Squads developing our swimmers for competition and bringing his passion for swimming to the Urban Swim Squad team.

Matt is currently studying Physiology and Psychology. He is interested in human performance – intertwining the physical and mental aspects of the body. This gives Matt a different mindset with his coaching looking for areas to improve his swimmers performance in and out of the water.

Matt’s speciality is squad coaching, but you will also see him in the pool with some Learn to Swim Classes. Or having fun with the kids and the Water Polo goals!

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2021 – ASCA Level 1
• 2021 – First Aid Level 1
• 2022 – STA International Lifesaving Course for Swimming Teachers
• 2023 – Child Safeguarding in an Aquatic Environment
• 2025 – STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming

INTERESTS:

• Hiking
• Gardening
• Diving
• Cooking

Born in Ohio, United States, Diana grew up with a pool in her backyard. So dedicated to her sport, she would practice at home what she learnt at her swimming lessons and spend hours in the pool.

From 12 years old, Diana was volunteering at the local school and community pool teaching swim lessons to young children and adults. Her love of coaching and swimming extended through high school and University  where she was on the swim team whilst completing a Bachelor of Arts.

Diana competed in mid-distance frontcrawl and butterfly events, and still says her 100m Frontcrawl is her best event. You can catch her in the fast lane three times a week at our Masters sessions.

Adults Learn to Swim is Diana’s passion and speciality. Adults need to know the why behind swimming and Diana is a super patient coach perfect for Adults.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2011 Bachelor of Arts
• 2020 ASCA Level 1
• 2020 ASCA Level 2
• 2020 ASCA Level 3
• 2020 ASCA Level 4
• 2022 STA International Lifesaving Course for Swimming Teachers
• 2023 Child Safeguarding in an Aquatic Environment
• 2023 PADI Basic Mermaid Course
• 2025 STA Level 2 Award in Teaching Swimming

INTERESTS:

• Diving and snorkelling
• Hiking in the mountains of the UAE
• Art and drawing
• Watching endless swimming videos on YouTube

Alexander is a dedicated swim coach with over seven years of experience teaching children aged 3–13, including swimmers with additional needs. He has delivered more than 12,000 lessons across one-to-one, small group, and squad settings, and is passionate about helping children build confidence, skill, and a lifelong respect for water safety.

Previously based in Brisbane, Australia, Alex worked as a Swim Coach and Progress Advisor, mentoring instructors, assessing swimmer development, and maintaining strong communication with parents. He is Austswim qualified, holds CPR and First Aid certification, and brings a calm, encouraging approach to every lesson.

Now relocating to the UAE, Alexander is excited to continue delivering high-quality swim instruction and supporting swimmers of all abilities to reach their potential.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2018  Austswim Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety
• 2018  CPR & First Aid
• 2024  Queensland University – Bachelor of Business

INTERESTS

• Travel
• Swimming for recreation and sport
• Social Media