Meet the Dream Team
There’s nothing we won’t do to get you into the water
Expert, safety-first and joyfully supportive
We are lucky enough to work with, and be endorsed by some of the best people in the world of swimming. Our team come from all walks of life – from the army, RNLI and emergency services to actors, presenters, teachers, and Olympians – each bringing unique skills and stories to share. What unites them is a love of open water, a calm confidence and an infectious joy for what they do.
As a minimum, SwimQuest guides are qualified Beach Lifeguards with RYA Powerboat Level 2. More than that, they are exceptional swim coaches and natural hosts – people who notice the details, radiate positivity, and genuinely care about helping you progress, whatever stage you are at on your swimming journey (or Quest!)
HEAD OFFICE
Alice Todd
In 2013, Alice had an ‘early life crisis’. Having spent years working in the media: for West End productions, 20th…
John Coningham-Rolls
Known to many as JCR, John has been organising and planning swim trips worldwide since the first ever swimming holiday…
Charlie Beere
Charlie knew she wanted to swim the English Channel at the age of 7, and spent every day of the…
Amberlie Robinson
Growing up by the coast swimming was always a part of life, but it’s only within the last few years…
Kate Enright
After several years working as a digital project manager, in 2015 Kate made the decision to take on a new…
Clare Jevons
Clare developed a passion for swimming in her early years, swimming competitively from the age of 10. After some years…
Katia Vastiau
Swimming has been a lifelong passion for Katia. She first discovered her love of the water as a teenager and…
Steve Halfhide
After a rewarding 30-year career with the Metropolitan Police, Steve joined the SwimQuest team in 2025. Steve is a former…
From founders and guides to guests and their partners, SwimQuest is a family.
The Guide Team
Nick Ayers
Nick could swim before he could walk! With parents involved in swim teaching and coaching, Nick was encouraged into the…
Nicola Butler
Nicola began to take a shine to open water swimming, masters swimming events and endurance sports after a swimming nationally…
Joanna Dale
Joanna was a club pool swimmer when she was younger, but growing up in Devon also meant she developed a…
Ella Foote
Ella has been drawn to water for as long as she can remember. For her, open water swimming is about freedom,…
Tamsin Gale
Tamsin has loved the water for as long as she can remember. Growing up, she spent countless hours at her…
Jo Good
Jo has always loved swimming and in 2018 took that passion and turned it into a career forming her swim…
Stephen Gould
Stephen (often referred to as ‘Bear’!) learnt to swim at 6 years old and within 2 years was swimming competitively…
Michael Gunning
Michael Gunning is an internationally recognised professional swimmer best known for participating in the 200-metre butterfly event. He holds duel…
Blaz Kavcic
Blaz is a swimming coach and Sport Science graduate from Slovenia, a small and remarkably unspoiled corner of the world…
Leah Harris
Growing up by the coast in Norfolk, and a competitive swimmer from the age of 9, it is perhaps not…
Tom Hawkins
Tom brings a lifetime of coastal knowledge, environmental expertise, and local insight to the SwimQuest team. Tom’s role as the…
Heather Isetts
Heather is a competitive swimmer, athlete, and coach with a lifelong passion for helping others achieve their goals in the water.…
Norm Jones
Norm Jones has dedicated much of his life to swimming, coaching, and helping others develop confidence in the water. Beginning…
Rose Levien
Rose developed a love for the water at a very young age. She would often be found diving for coins…
Bryony Lishman
Bryony Lishman is a lifelong islander with an infectious passion for the Isles of Scilly and the sea that surrounds…
Nick Lishman
Nick Lishman is a co-founder of the Scilly Swim Challenge, established in 2014. Working alongside Dewi Winkle and Bryony Lishman,…
Dario Martinez
Based in Kent, Dario juggles an impressive portfolio of water-based roles: RLSS UK Lifeguard Trainer & Assessor, weekend beach lifeguard…
Guy Metcalf
Guy has spent a number of years working in sports coaching and as the RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor when they first…
Dee Newell
Dee grew up in Galway on the west coast of Ireland, spending much of her youth in the pool as a…
Tina Noble
Tina has led an impressive career in the travel and activity holiday industry. Her adventures have included working as a…
Paul Parrish
By his own admission, Paul was late to swimming. He didn’t learn any discernible stroke until he was in his…
Cassandra Patten
Cassie is an Olympic Bronze Medallist, double World Championship Silver Medallist, European Cup Champion, Swimming World Cup Winner, a professional…
Bertie Portal
Bertie has been involved with SwimQuest for some years now. As a guest he has swum in Turkey, the River Arun…
Jenny Smith
Jenny joins the SwimQuest team from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jenny’s love for long-distance swimming has led to her completing some incredible feats…
Get in touch
- Chat to us via WhatsApp
- Phone the Office
- Call Alice: +44 7825301443
- Call John: +447951 727453
- Email Alice: alice@swimquest.uk.com
- Email John: john@swimquest.uk.com
- Email Amberlie: amberlie@swimquest.uk.com
- Email Us
