James David Taylor, from Somerset in England, has lived, worked and studied in Thailand for six years, five of which he has worked as an infant/toddler swimming teacher. Currently working as the business development manager and head infant teacher at Bangkok Dolphins, Bangkok's only internationally recognised swimming school, he has taught hundreds of infants and toddlers how to have fun and confidence in the water. Additionally, he is currently completing a degree in business management from the University of Plymouth in England.
As with anything dealing with infants, swimming classes for them require high professionalism, well-trained skills and the ability to interact and communicate with infants. Dealing with small babies (as young as five months old) can be daunting for many, but he finds it an extremely rewarding experience.
What inspired you to become an infant/toddler swimming teacher?
I enjoy working with people of all ages but get a particular satisfaction from my work with children and young people. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support their development and allow them to grow in confidence and ability. It is always interesting to watch how they learn and grow and how their personalities unfold. We develop really good relationships with the children and their parents and often it feels like we almost become part of their extended family.
Learning the skills we teach is important and potentially life-saving, but it is also our intention that the experience is enjoyable and fun. At heart I am just a big kid.
What kind of training have you had before teaching?
I have sports and swimming training from the UK and Australia including STA, Austswim and ASCTA. I am certified to teach infants to swim from three months right through to adults and more advanced coaching. I keep myself really fit and go to the gym on a regular basis as well as being involved in a variety of sports and other activities.
Is there any professional experience requirement?
Working as a teacher at Bangkok Dolphins, I am required to be qualified in sports, pool rescue, life-saving and all levels of swim teaching. But a love of children and a great personality is essential. My business degree has given me the skills and ability to train staff and to take the business forward with all future developments. I have gained a lot of experience working with Bangkok Dolphins but there is still much to learn. I am keen to get more experience in all aspects of the business and develop my skills.
What is the best part of your job?
Each day is different and unlocking the potential in each child requires a varied approach. It is so fulfilling when you see children gaining the confidence to swim unaided and this added confidence reflects back into other areas of their lives.
I have contact with families and individuals of all nationalities and backgrounds and get the opportunity to work in a variety of settings delivering the range of activities on offer at Bangkok Dolphins, including pool parties, sports camps and events. As well as this, I am constantly involved in being part of and running the business and helping it grow.
What memorable experiences have you had in your job?
There have been so many memorable moments. Every day is so unique and different. My students never fail to make me smile. Working with babies and watching them develop and grow into children is amazing. I enjoy the satisfaction of working with extremely fearful children and helping them overcome that fear.
What is your daily routine?
My day starts around 8am. Before classes begin I check the water quality and do a risk assessment of the pool and surrounding areas. Classes begin at 9am. The classes are organised by the children's age and their current developmental stage. The lessons are fun, educational and they require a lot of energy to teach. On other days, I will work more closely with other colleagues training them and assisting in their personal development within Bangkok Dolphins.
As the head infant teacher, I need to support these changes and assure the Bangkok Dolphins remains the best in Bangkok.
