During my 14 years as a swim coach, I have seen too much fear of water. I have heard many near-drowning incidents. I regularly observe physical aversion responses when a face is submerged underwater. I watch adults struggle and fight the water with fear in their eyes.

Did you know I learned to swim as an adult? I could float, but it wasn't until 2003 when I signed up for my first triathlon that I learned to front crawl. I knew hundreds of people like me wanted to swim in the open water, but didn't think they could learn as adults. And so, some of my favourite coaching clients are adults who need to learn how to swim. I love spreading my passion for open-water swimming.

🦈 What am I doing? 🦈

Fast-forward 20 years, and I am taking my swimming to another level. I am swimming in the English Channel as part of a five-person relay team. My British Columbia friends are called the Salish Sea Sisters. Together, we’ll tackle the cold water (likely 14C), jellyfish, sea sickness and waves.

Our mission? Swim from Dover, England, to the shores of France in June 2026. The direct crossing is 21 km; however, with the tides, current, and wind, the total distance will likely be 35 km. Our four person team will swim in rotation for an hour, tagging out until we hit the French coast. It’s going to be EPIC! 🚤🇫🇷

💧 Why SwimTayka? 💧

As part of the Salish Sea Sisters celebration, we want to give back by raising money for a swim charity. SwimTayka's mission is to provide disadvantaged communities access to swimming teachers. Did you know drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide? SwimTayka is on a mission to change that, giving kids the skills they need to be safe and pass on that knowledge to others. 🌍💙