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 Erica, and I’ve been teaching kids to swim and love the water for over 20 years.
I was a competitive synchronized swimmer my entire life and started coaching synchronized swimming in 2003 and have worked with athletes of all ages and abilities. One of the highlights of my career was coaching the Jamaican National Synchronized Swimming Team! Along the way, I’ve also spent more than 15 years working as a lifeguard and swim instructor in recreation centres, helping kids build strong swimming skills and confidence in the water.
Outside of the pool, I’ve worked in local daycares and spent many years supporting children in different environments. And perhaps my most important experience—I’m also a mom to four kids myself! That perspective helps me bring patience, encouragement, and lots of fun to every lesson.
Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their skills, my goal is always the same: help them feel safe, confident, and proud of what they can do in the water.
See you and your swimmers soon!
– Erica
