Cathy Marx is a Learn-to-Swim specialist with decades of hands-on experience helping babies, children and adults become safer, calmer and more confident in the water.

Her teaching is grounded in patience, careful observation and purposeful progression. She understands that a swimmer’s first challenge is not always physical. For many beginners, the greatest hurdle is learning to trust the water, trust the coach and trust their own ability.

Confidence begins with trust

Before a swimmer can float independently, control their breathing or move safely through the water, they need to feel secure enough to learn.

Cathy creates that security through calm communication, clear demonstrations and consistent encouragement. She takes time to understand how each swimmer responds, recognising when to reassure, when to repeat a skill, when to simplify an instruction and when the swimmer is ready for the next challenge.

This approach is especially valuable for very young swimmers, cautious children and adults who may have carried a fear of water for many years. Every lesson is designed to feel supportive and positive without losing its structure or purpose.

Strong foundations, taught with purpose

Learn-to-Swim is where lifelong swimming habits begin. Cathy places strong emphasis on the foundational abilities that make later progress possible: water orientation, breath control, balance, floating, safe entries and exits, body awareness and independent movement.

Skills are introduced in a logical sequence and reinforced until they become comfortable and dependable. Swimmers are not rushed simply to complete a level. They progress when they demonstrate the confidence, understanding and ability needed for the next step.

Fun remains an important part of the process, particularly for younger swimmers—but it is always used with purpose. Play, repetition and encouragement help reduce tension, build familiarity and turn new movements into reliable skills.

Progress at the swimmer’s pace

No two beginners arrive with the same experience, confidence or learning style.

Cathy adapts her language, pacing and support to the swimmer in front of her. Some swimmers respond quickly to a demonstration; others need time, repetition or a gentler progression. Her experience allows her to recognise these differences and create a lesson that remains both achievable and appropriately challenging.

The goal is not dependence on the instructor. It is to help every swimmer develop genuine independence, sound water-safety habits and the confidence to keep progressing through the Cybersmart Aquatics pathway.

From a first splash to a fresh start

Cathy’s teaching spans early water familiarisation, children’s Learn-to-Swim and adult beginner instruction.

For babies and young children, the focus is on safe, positive exposure to the water and the gradual development of comfort and essential aquatic skills. For older children, lessons provide the foundations required for confident independent swimming and future stroke development.

Adults receive the same patience and respect. Whether someone is learning for the first time, returning after a difficult experience or working through a longstanding fear of water, Cathy provides a calm, judgement-free environment in which progress can happen one achievable step at a time.

Safety and professional standards

Parents and swimmers need to know that Learn-to-Swim instruction is both welcoming and professionally responsible. Cathy’s qualifications and safeguarding credentials include:

Swimming South Africa Learn-to-Swim Instructor

CPR and First Aid certification

South African safeguarding certification

Current police clearance

Find the right starting point

Not sure which Learn-to-Swim level is right for you or your child?

Book a free 15-minute assessment at the Cybersmart Aquatics pool in Milnerton. A coach will assess the swimmer’s current confidence and ability, then recommend the most suitable next step—with no obligation.

Book a Free Assessment