Meet Our Dedicated Team

As well as being open water swimming coaches who eat, sleep and breath the water we are also a bunch of highly qualified sea swimming enthusiasts.

Find out a little more about who we are below…

Jane Hushon

Director, Open Water Coach

Co- Founder of the Sideshore Sea Safety Project

Jane is a highly accomplished open water swimmer and educator with a lifetime of experience in the sport. Growing up in the Lake District, where swimming in the lakes was a natural part of life, Jane developed a deep love for open water swimming from an early age. This passion has carried her through a distinguished career, where she now holds the title of National Champion in her age category and is a European Aquathlon bronze medalist.

Jane’s expertise extends beyond her personal achievements in the water. She is the owner and lead instructor of a successful swim school, where she has dedicated herself to teaching and inspiring swimmers of all ages and abilities.

As a Swim England Open Water Coach and tutor, Jane plays a crucial role in the development of open water swimming across the South West. She is responsible for training and mentoring other coaches, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive in the region. Her dedication to open water swimming, both as an athlete and a coach, has made her a respected and influential figure in the swimming community.

Bernie Rhodes

Director, Open Water Coach

Co- Founder of the Sideshore Sea Safety Project

Bernie Rhodes is a highly experienced and dedicated primary school teacher with a specialised focus on Physical Education (PE). As PE Lead, Bernie has played a pivotal role in shaping the physical education curriculum, fostering a culture of health and fitness, and promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle among young students. Her leadership skills extend to her role as a Senior Leader in Education for the Exmouth Learning Community, where she shares her expertise in PE across a network of schools, helping to enhance the quality of physical education and sports provision throughout the area.

A passionate advocate for water safety and outdoor education, Bernie is deeply rooted in a family of water enthusiasts. This connection to the water has driven Bernie to become a qualified Surf Lifesaving Coach and a SLSGB Surf Lifeguard. Her commitment to water safety is further reflected in her role as a Swim Teacher and Open Water Coach, where she imparts essential swimming skills and water safety knowledge to individuals of all ages.

Annie Tinsley

Open Water Coach

Annie Tinsley is a highly skilled and experienced aquatic professional with a diverse background in water safety, teaching, and rescue operations. With qualifications in both pool-based and open-water environments, Annie has a passion for ensuring safety and providing education to a wide range of individuals, from beginners to advanced swimmers.

Additional Qualifications:

  • Swift and Flood Water Rescue Operative: Certified in water rescue, Annie is trained to respond to emergencies in swift or flood waters, equipped to manage high-risk, fast-moving environments.
  • First Aid & Trauma Trained: Annie’s first aid training includes life-saving skills, with a specialization in trauma response for aquatic emergencies.
  • PADI Open Water & Advanced Diver: As an advanced open-water diver, she has extensive knowledge of underwater exploration and safety procedures, capable of diving in various underwater conditions.
  • Level 2 Powerboat Licence: Proficient in handling powerboats, Annie has experience in operating vessels, often used in rescue missions or as a safety measure during open-water events.

What Our Participants Say

“Brilliant from start to finish, this day was so well organised. Great communication and everyone had real passion for the whole aims of the day and this was conveyed well to the children. The kids loved it and the adults loved it. One of the best days out in terms of what we got out of it and how much fun it was. Please can we come again”.

Clyst Hydon

“Sideshore Sea Safety Project is an amazing project that our students were privileged to take part in. A fun and educational day.”

Exmouth Community College

“An outstanding day, we absolutely loved it! 10 out of 10! I have never known my group to be so engaged and on task.”

Angela Reed

Bassets Farm

“The children experienced three very different but equally important activities. The sea swimming session was fun but also VERY important for the children living in this local area. The staff have been incredible - this is just what Exmouth schools need!”

Angela Batten

Brixington

“Amazing team, encouraging, supportive of the children and excellent supervision and ratios throughout.” “One of the best school trips EVER” - a non-swimmer “I liked the environmental session - the mussel expert was best”

A child

Drakes C of E Primary School