orlá Cash
Co-Founder of S.W.I.M.
Swimming Teacher
Years Swimming:
10+
Competed in Triathlons!
Favourite Stroke:
Front Crawl
Favourite Skill to Teach:
Star floats on back
A Bit About Me
Hey, I’m Orlá, one of the founders of S.W.I.M. Ltd.
Sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I learned to swim at my local pool with my family, then joined Alliance Swimming Club at the age of 6, and competed right through until the age of 18. I represented my club nationally and competed across Ireland for my secondary school, Dominican College, Fortwilliam.
My love for swimming eventually led me to running and triathlons, where I again represented my school at a national level. Moving from the comfort of the pool to open water was a massive change for me, but I ended up loving it! Endurance sport still remains a huge passion of mine today. I have completed multiple marathons, an ultra-marathon, and Hyrox events- with plenty more races on the horizon!
My Background in Education and Coaching
Sport also had a massive part to play in my education.
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I studied PE for all 7 years in school (Achieving an A in GCSE PE and an A* in A-Level Sport Studies)
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In 2024, I graduated with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Ulster University.
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I co-founded S.W.I.M. Ltd. with my sister, Fiona, during my final year of University.
At age 15, I started volunteering with my local club's "Learn to Swim" programme to help guide the next generation of swimmers. This is where I discovered my true passion for teaching! I went on to earn:
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Level 1 and 2 Teaching Certificates
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NPLQ
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First Aid Qualification
Over the last 6 years, I have taught and volunteered with various swim schools and clubs across Belfast, working with swimmers of all ages and abilities to help them achieve their goals. I am also very experienced in teaching swimmers with SEN's and extreme fear of water.
Why I Love What I Do
Alongside being an essential life-saving skill, swimming is much more than a sport.
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It's meeting new people, hearing their individual stories and reasons for being there.
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It's getting to known each child's unique personality, and creating a safe and fun learning environment for them.
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It's watching swimmers progress to achieve things they never thought possible.
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It's celebrating every win, no matter how small.
I am so grateful to be a part of your swimming journey, and to help you discover what you are truly capable of in the pool!
