Hi, I’m Tristan!
I’m a lifeguard and swim instructor with nearly 10 years of experience teaching swimming lessons to people of all ages and abilities. My love for swimming began at a young age, and over the years, I’ve developed a passion for sharing my knowledge and skills with others to help them feel confident and safe in the water.
I started Aquanauts Swim Academy on Vancouver Island to create a swim academy that combines high-quality, personalized instruction with a sense of adventure and discovery. Our mission is to empower swimmers of all ages to build water confidence, master safety skills, and explore their potential—whether it’s their first splash in the pool or working toward lifelong swimming goals.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been coaching athletes through the Special Olympics, where I’ve seen the transformative power of swimming in building confidence, improving physical fitness, and achieving personal milestones. This experience inspires me every day to make AquaNauts a place where everyone feels supported and encouraged, no matter their starting point.
I also love combining the elements of learn to swim with infant survival rescue—watching little ones discover the joy of swimming while learning to be incredibly safe and begin self-rescue is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I aim to create a fun, patient, and positive learning environment where students of all ages feel comfortable, excited, and motivated to learn.
Swimming is more than a skill—it’s a life-saving ability and a gateway to lifelong health and enjoyment. My goal with AquaNauts Swim Academy is to make swimming accessible, enjoyable, and enriching for everyone.
Happy Swimming!
-Tristan
Hi, I’m Kesya!
Movement, wellness, and water have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve worked with children, athletes, seniors, and individuals with diverse abilities through recreation, fitness, wellness, and coaching roles over the years.
My background includes training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), group fitness instruction, mobility and barre-based movement, aquafitness and Aqua Zumba instruction, as well as Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and wilderness response training.
I’m passionate about helping people build confidence in their bodies through safe movement, breath control, and body awareness.
Water has always been one of my favorite places to teach and connect.
Over the years, I’ve snorkelled and explored oceans during my travels, started diving with PADI, and even worked as a professional mermaid performer! As a mom of four, I’ve also personally taught my own children swimming, diving, breath control, and water confidence from a young age.
My teaching style focuses on creating a calm, supportive, and encouraging environment where swimmers feel safe, capable, and proud of themselves.
Whether working with young children, beginners, or more advanced swimmers, my goal is always to help each person build confidence, skills, and a lifelong comfort in the water.
I look forward to meeting you and your swimmers soon!
— Kesya
