Introduction
Open Water Swim Coach and Beach Lifeguard, based in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales.
An experienced sea swimmer who regularly swims up and down the Mid Wales coast from spring to autumn. Having helped Ironman triathletes and novices, I am now looking to coach and guide others with my passion for sea swimming. Working as a RNLI Beach Lifeguard in 2025, covering the Aberystwyth, Borth and Clarach beaches where I was awarded Rookie Lifeguard of the Year.
More details and availability for 2026 will be coming soon.
Contact: rhys@seaswim.coach
About me
I have been swimming seriously since 2004 when I got into triathlon. Between 2007 and 2016 I completed 6 Ironman long distance triathlons, with the swims ranging from lake and reservoir to some challenging ocean conditions. My best time for the 3.8 km distance was 1:00:03 at Ironman Wales in 2011. In 2019, I won the Breca Jersey SwimRun sprint distance event with my brother, where the rough sea conditions played to my strengths. Since 2021 I have been doing long distance self-supported swims up the coast between Aberystwyth and Borth (8–9 km).
Swim coaching for the sea and open water
As a swimmer and coach, I follow the Swim Smooth methodology. Endorsed by British Triathlon, World Triathlon and Swim England for open water. I've read the book, watched the videos, attended the squad out in Perth, Australia and had my own video analysis done by 4 of their coaches. I was on the Swim Smooth Experience Mallorca trip in 2024. So it felt natural to start my swim coaching journey by completing their 7-day PRO Video Analysis Bootcamp for Swimming Coaches course.
My philosophy for sea and open water swimming is about building confidence and competence. Which is where the Swim Smooth methodology excels, by starting with the importance of breathing, swimmers are able to stay relaxed and focus on developing an adaptable swimming stroke for the conditions.
Qualifications
- STA Open Water Swimming Coach Level 2
- SLSGB Surf Lifeguard
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 Powerboat Handling
Training
- RNLI Casualty Care Course (Lifeguards)
- RNLI ATV Operator
- BTF Safeguarding & Protecting Children
- Swim Smooth: 7-day PRO Video Analysis Bootcamp for Swimming Coaches
- Endure IQ LDT 101: The Practical Application of Low Carbohydrate Performance for Long Distance Triathlon
- Endure IQ LDT 102: Training Program Fundamentals for Long Distance Triathlon
- Endure IQ LDT 103: Optimizing Long Distance Triathlon Training and Performance in the Heat
You can see me being coached by Paul Newsome, Swim Smooth head coach in this Instagram post filmed at the BEST Centre, Mallorca.