TGT Meets...Gerard Maguire - Director at Individuality Swimming & Fitness

In this edition of TGT Meets, we sit down with Gerard Maguire, Director at Individuality Swimming & Fitness, to talk about his journey from lending a helping hand to leading the business full-time. Gerard shares what inspired him to commit fully to the swim school, the core values that shape every lesson, and why confidence, joy, and individuality are at the heart of learning to swim.

What led you to become Director at Individuality Swimming & Fitness?

As the swimming school was growing, I was getting more and more involved helping here and there. Once I completed the Swimming Teachers course, I then decided to sell off my other business and join Individuality 100%, the rest as they say is History. 

How would you describe the core values that guide Individuality Swimming & Fitness?

We have 3 core values: 

1. Individual Centred learning

We are all individuals therefore we all learn in different ways, our teachers try to cater for swimmers learning styles in the lessons. We give our teachers the freedom to adapt lessons based on their own styles, therefore can offer swimmers high energy teachers or teachers who have a more relaxed approach.

2. Confidence leads to lifelong skills

Confidence is at the heart of everything we do. By nurturing it, we help swimmers build a lifelong relationship with water, from babies taking their first floats and jumps, to adults bravely conquering aquaphobia. When confidence grows, learning follows.

3. Learning Through Joy and Understanding

We believe learning should be joyful. Fun builds confidence, motivation, and connection, but true progress happens when swimmers feel safe, understood, and supported. We recognise that learning journeys are influenced by personal experiences in and around water, and we respond with patience and compassion. Through engaging sessions and supportive coaching, we create a welcoming environment where every swimmer feels valued and excited to learn.

What do you believe truly sets your programmes apart from other swim schools?

We give our teachers the freedom to adapt their lessons to meet the swimmers’ needs and learning styles! i.e. points 1,2, and three above. 

Are there any new developments, classes, or improvements you’re excited about?

Oooh yes we are working on a project that includes the RNLI, the Institute of Aquaphobia, Swimming Teachers Association and some local schools.. so watch this space!

If you could magically add one new feature to your swimming facilities, what would it be?

An Olympic 50m pool, not many children ever get the chance to swimming in one of these, we would love to build one locally!!  

What inspired you to add mermaid lessons to your class offerings - and was there a particular moment or request that convinced you to try it?

It’s all Kristin’s fault; she trained as a Mermaid instructor and loved it. Mermaid sessions are great fun and are a fantastic bonding activity for parents and children. Interestingly, we have more “Mermen” instructors than “Mermaids”!

For parents looking to sign their children up, what’s the one thing you wish they knew about how kids learn to swim best?

The most important thing for parents to know is this: persevere with lessons, focus on your child’s confidence and comfort in the water, not just ticks on a progress sheet, and keep them learning until they’ve truly mastered both skills and safety!! Recent Swim England research shows 70% of parents stop swimming lessons before children are water safe!