7 July 2025
Lai’s journey from self-taught swimmer to inspiring teacher
From teaching herself to swim as a child to now helping others build their skills and confidence in the water, becoming a swimming instructor has been “a full-circle moment” for Lai Chu.
Originally from Hong Kong and now living in Mandurah, Lai started swimming lessons as a child but had to stop at the age of six due to financial pressures. She says she taught herself to swim through determination, practising whenever she could and gradually improving her skills.
“In Hong Kong schools didn’t offer free swimming lessons, unlike in Australia,” she said. “Undeterred, I taught myself by observing others at the pool, a journey that eventually led me to represent my school in competitions, winning several medals.”
Lai completed training to become a swimming teacher in Hong Kong in 2005 and went on to work with students of all ages and abilities through swimming clubs and private lessons. After moving to Australia, her passion was recognised by Karen, the Swim School Leader at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, who saw her helping friends in the water and encouraged her to join the Skills to Teach program.
“This made me happy because it was a good chance to learn how to teach swimming in Australia,” Lai shared. “I don't have much experience teaching here, so the program was a good challenge for me.”
Proudly supported by the WA Government, the Skills to Teach program helps adults from multicultural backgrounds to develop advanced swimming and rescue skills before completing a swim teacher course. For Lai, it was a chance to learn new teaching approaches while continuing her passion for helping others enjoy the water safely.
After completing her swim teacher course in January 2026, she was supported through Royal Life Saving WA’s partnership with the City of Mandurah to complete her practical training hours at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Lai now works with the City of Mandurah where she receives ongoing mentorship and helps Royal Life Saving WA to deliver local Multicultural Women’s Only Lessons.
“When I started teaching in Australia, I worried about how to explain things,” Lai said, “but the Skills to Teach program helped a lot. It gives clear steps for teaching different swimming styles like freestyle and breaststroke.”
Lai says learning to feel confident around the water and developing swimming and water safety skills are important parts of life in Australia.
“Learning to swim is very important for your body and health,” she said. “It’s also a skill that can save your life, especially in Australia where there is a lot of water.”
Her own experience moving from Hong Kong to Australia has also helped her connect with students from multicultural backgrounds. Lai understands that learning a new skill in a new country can feel intimidating, particularly when language is a barrier.
“I know how new people might feel shy, unsure or even scared in a new place, especially when learning to swim,” she said. “Because I have a similar background, I can connect with them better.”
One of Lai’s most rewarding teaching moments was helping a 70-year-old woman who had never learned to swim. At first, the woman was so scared that her hands and feet were shaking in the water, but she kept practising every day and eventually learned to swim.
“Seeing her go from being so scared to being happy and confident was amazing,” Lai said. “It made me feel very proud to be a teacher.”
For Lai, moments like this are what make her so passionate about swim teaching. She encourages anyone considering becoming a swimming instructor, especially people from multicultural backgrounds, to take the first step and ask for support along the way.
“Learning takes time, but the most important thing is to be brave and start, even if you are not sure,” she said.
Through teaching, Lai hopes more people from multicultural backgrounds will feel supported to learn to swim and enjoy the water safely.
Find out more about the Skills to Teach program and pathways into swim teaching.
