Swim Coach
Melissa Thompson
Melissa grew up in Manchester, where her passion for swimming began at an early age. She was introduced to the sport by her father, who not only taught her how to swim but also became her first coach, guiding her throughout both primary and secondary school. Under his mentorship, Melissa developed a strong foundation in competitive swimming and endurance sports, eventually progressing to compete in triathlon events. She proudly represented both her hometown and the wider North West region, gaining valuable experience competing at a high level.
After relocating to Dubai, Melissa has spent the past seven years building a rewarding career in swim coaching. Over this time, she has worked with a diverse range of swimmers, from babies taking their first water confidence lessons through to adults refining technique and building stamina. Her adaptable teaching style and calm, encouraging approach have made her a trusted coach across all ages and abilities.
Throughout her time in the UAE, Melissa has also worked closely with several schools, supporting the development of competitive swimmers and helping athletes prepare for squad selection and qualification events. She is passionate about creating strong technical foundations while also fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.
Melissa brings a blend of competitive experience, technical knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2025 STA Baby & Preschool
- 2024 Highfield Level 3 International Award for Emergency First Aid
- 2018 SEQ Level 1 Swim Assistant
- 2018 SEQ Level 2 Swim Teacher
INTERESTS:
- Horse riding
- Cooking
- Beach walks
