About Us

HEADSTART SWIM SCHOOL was launched in May 2006, and is run according to the Swimming South Africa (SSA) approved, Learn-to-swim methodology. We believe that adults and children learn better through having fun in a safe, non-threatening environment.

HEADSTART instructors are passionate about teaching people of all ages to swim and we are registered with SSA and attend first aid training annually as well as other relevant SSA and in-house talks and workshops regularly.

Swimming South Africa runs its Learn-to-Swim program for the following reasons:

  • As a Vital Life Skill
  • To reduce drownings
  • To provide a healthy lifestyle
  • For recreational purposes
Register today for your learn to swim classes!

Meet our team

Janice Probyn
Janice ProbynDirector, Manager and Instructor

I am a Mother of 2 school-going children, co-member and manager of Headstart swim school and a swimming instructor.

Janice is a SSA registered LTS instructor, enjoyed competitive swimming throughout her school career and believes that swimming is a life skill which everyone should have the opportunity to learn.

She teaches Bishops pre-prep class swimming and social squad swimming, focussing on Stroke correction and fitness.

Viv Williams
Viv WilliamsDirector and Coach

I am a Mother of 2 grown up children, co-founder of Headstart swim school and a coach to swimmers, runners and triathletes.
Viv coaches the Bishops Prep Swimming team and the Rustenburg Girls’ High School swimming team and distance runner squad.
She is Owner of SCR Academy (Swim, Cycle, Run, Triathlon and multi-sport) and a Triathlon coach at My Training Day (MTD) triathlon Academy.

Viv is an Accredited:
International Triathlon Union (ITU) Level 2 Triathlon Coach
International Triathlon Union Coach Facilitator
Triathlon south Africa Level 2 Coach
Athletics South Africa Level 1 Coach

Kelly Engelbrecht
Kelly EngelbrechtInstructor and administrative manager

My name is Kelly Engelbrecht. I have a degree in foundation phase education and have always been passionate about working with Children and teaching learners of all ages. I became qualified as a swimming instructor in 2014 and have been teaching Learn to swim since then. I have also been running the admin management of the swim school since 2016. Swimming is such an important life skill and I am passionate about passing this skill on to others. My time in the classroom has played a big part in my methods of teaching swimming and has also given me insight and experience with children with various barriers to learning and working with many different personality types. I strive to not only teach water safety and stroke technique, but to instil a love for water in all of the pupils I have the privilege of teaching.

Noelene Ressel
Noelene ResselInstructor

I am Noelene Ressel,  a granny of two beautiful granddaughters. Teaching has always been my passion; I’ve  taught Adults at  College level, and a friend and I started a school for children with learning difficulties and taught children with ADHD, ADD etc. who had  slipped through the cracks of the mainstream schooling system, for many years.   It’s always been my passion to help children rise above their difficulties and fears and see them succeed. Being a swimming instructor is a perfect fit for me as I have been a waterbaby my whole life and I am excited to encourage and teach children to have the same love for swimming and to be safe too.
Raighaanah Slamdien
Raighaanah Slamdien Instructor

My name is Raighaanah Slamdien.

I am a Bcom law student. I started swimming at a young age and have loved it ever since then. I swam competitively with a swimming club. Later on I became a beach lifeguard and started competing as a lifeguard. I’ve always been enthusiastic about swimming and I can’t imagine not being able to share the skills I’ve learnt over the years.

Teaching swimming has now become a great passion of mine.

Edith
Edith Assistant

We asked Edith to tell us a bit about herself and here is what she had to say “I am Edith Manyati single mom of 2 boys.I am 34 years old. I came to SouthAfrica in January 2009. I stay in Capricorn near Muizenberg. I have been to East London, Pretoria, Joburg and Pietermaritzburg. I came to Cape Town in 2018 and I have been working as a nanny and housekeeper in Constantia and Muizenberg until now. I like reading and watching soccer and cricket, and I really enjoy looking after children. I have started swimming lessons at Headstart and am loving my lessons. I never thought I would get a chance to learn to swim, and now I am.”
Edith took over from Grace and assists the children in getting ready for swimming as well as many other tasks which are extremely important in the smooth running of our swim school.
Hannah Van Niekerk
Hannah Van NiekerkInstructor

I am Hannah. I have always had a love for the water and have been swimming throughout my life. I swam in many galas in junior school and progressed to playing waterpolo, swimming and diving in high school. Today, I am still swimming casually for fitness and I still enjoy it very much. People have always told me that I have a good way of connecting with people and I love getting to know new people, therefore making swimming teaching the perfect fit for me. I hope to spread my love for the water through teaching others about how wonderful it can be. Fun fact: I myself learnt how to swim at Headstart (many years ago!)
Lauren Palmer
Lauren PalmerInstructor

My name is Lauren and I am 24-years old. As an occupational therapy student, I am passionate about childhood development and learning and absolutely love using swimming as means to help children to develop important skills in a fun and engaging way. I have always enjoyed the water myself, having swam competitively and played waterpolo and hope to impart my love for the water to all my students.
Sharne Hoffman
Sharne HoffmanInstructor

I was a competitive swimmer and absolutely loved it. Sharing my knowledge, experiences, and passion for swimming with others is something I deeply enjoy. I’m motivated by seeing the progress in the kids I teach, knowing that I’m helping them grow both in and out of the water.
Beyond the pool, I cherish spending time with my family, staying active, and relaxing with my dogs. I also enjoy reading and indulging in a little retail therapy.
I’m passionate about giving back to the community and have a strong interest in working with underprivileged children. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn and grow through sports. Additionally, I am eager to further my studies to enhance my skills and knowledge, ensuring that I provide best possible guidance and support to those I teach.
Reedah Shaw
Reedah ShawInstructor

Born with a natural affinity for the water, my journey with swimming began in the safe confines of water safety classes at a young age. From those initial strokes, a deep-seated passion for swimming took root within me. It became not just a hobby, but an integral part of my life. From leisurely laps to competitive races, every moment spent in the water fueled my enthusiasm. With dedication and determination, I transitioned from casual swimming to a more professional approach. Teaching became the natural progression of my swimming journey. The idea of imparting knowledge, instilling confidence, and nurturing a love for swimming in others ignited a new flame within me. Through teaching, I hope to pass on the same enduring love and appreciation for the water that has guided me throughout my own journey.

Jessica Robbins
Jessica RobbinsInstructor

Hi I’m Jess,
I have loved being in water since I first learned to swim and I feel at home in the water whether it be in a pool or the ocean. I swam competitively throughout high school and found a love for open water swimming in my free time. I believe swimming is such an important life skill, and I’m all about creating a fun, relaxed, safe atmosphere for kids to become confident swimmers.

WHAT PARENTS SAY

“Lovely friendly teachers. My son is extremely happy and love going for his lessons.”

Amina Wepener

“Lovely teacher, nice professional service and progressive results every week.”

Kim Benjamin

“Friendly staff , kids feel at ease and enjoy each lesson. Very professional.”

Ferial Ismail

Contact us today

Please send us an email with your details and we will be in touch!