Hello and welcome to our website

Deborah Bignell M.I.S.T.C (s)

(Debbie.)
I first qualified as a RLSS teacher in 1993, aged 21,whilst pregnant with my first child, however I had been teaching alongside teachers since I was 15 years old. I swam with Hinckley Winter Junior lifesaving and started coaching from around the age of 13. I continued to support them there very closely for many years.

I became a qualified ASA teacher after helping at my college swimming lessons having found the joy of teaching and its rewards.Needing a challenge many years later I became a corporate snorkelling instructor. 

I competed myself from 7 years to 13 years with Leicester penguins, although I chose to do my qualifying coaching hours with Hinckley Swimming Club, as my tutor was also a coach there. I thoroughly enjoyed these challenges and unfortunately I had to stop swimming after a cartilage injury from a game of Hockey.

I’m a mum to 3 wonderful children 2 of whom have followed me into the industry. My daughter is also now a level 2 Swim teacher.

I have taught in both public and private sectors but due to the success of JKM I decided to take the challenge and concentrate all my efforts on expanding and fine tuning JKM Swim Schools. This proved to be the right decision as I am now about to open my 5th Swim School. It has allowed me to ensure that everyone teaches to my exacting standards and high quality customer care, both of parents, grandparents, carers and of course most importantly, the children. 

JKM came from the initials of my 3 children.

Teaching qualifications:

• RLSS teacher.
• RLSS junior lifeguard instructor.
• RLSS Rookie lifeguard instructor.
• ASA level 2 teacher and coach.
• STA level 2 in Aquatic teaching; Baby and pre school.
• Corporate Snorkel instructor.

Also hold:

• AoFAQ level 3 in Paediatric first aid.
• STA Level 2 safety award for teachers.

Special achievements:

• I won in 2009 ASA Swimtastic Top Teacher Award.
• In 2004 I was presented with my Bar To Service medal from the Royal Lifesaving Society.

We cover stages 1 to 10 of the national teaching plan as well as RLSS Rookie Lifeguard, and parent and toddler sessions.