From Swimmer to Role Model: A Conversation with Jasmine Hall-Barnett

7 March 2026

Jasmine Hall-Barnett is one of the club’s experienced swimmers who is now beginning to support the next generation. After recently qualifying as a pool lifeguard and swimming teacher, she has started helping with younger swimmers during group sessions while continuing to train and compete herself.

Favourite stroke: Backstroke
Still competing: Yes
Years involved with the club: 10+

Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club is proud of the way swimmers grow and develop within the club — not just as athletes, but also as mentors for younger swimmers.

Jasmine Hall-Barnett is a great example of this pathway in action. After training with the club for several years, she has recently qualified as both a pool lifeguard and a swimming teacher, and now helps support younger swimmers during group sessions.

Alongside this new role, Jasmine continues to train and compete for the club, representing Harwich Swimming Club at the County Championships earlier this year.

We asked Jasmine a few questions about her journey in swimming and what it’s been like to start helping the younger swimmers in the club.

Interview Questions

1. How did you first get involved with Harwich Swimming Club?

I went from swimming lessons as a baby then straight into swimming club

2. What made you want to start helping with coaching and teaching younger swimmers?

I’d probably say when I was younger I remember the coaches would sometimes ask someone to help them in a younger group lesson or give demonstrations and I would always want to do it/ get involved, I just knew I wanted to get into teaching/coaching.

3. You recently qualified as a swimming teacher. What was that experience like?

I felt quite comfortable being taught about the strokes being a swimmer myself, the paperwork wasn’t easy and being assessed while teaching your first ever lesson was definitely nerve-wracking but I would 100% do it all again as I love my job as a swimming teacher.

4. What do you enjoy most about helping the younger swimmers during training sessions?

I enjoy seeing them make progress and have fun whilst also learning

5. Having been a swimmer in the club yourself for several years, do you think that helps you connect with the younger swimmers?

Yes I think so, I can talk to them about nerves or advise on racing or different strokes etc

6. You competed at the County Championships this year. What was that experience like?

I feel the more years you compete there the more confident you get racing there in general, the first time I competed there it felt so overwhelming but I enjoy being there now. I was very happy to get long course PBs and medaling.

7. What are your own goals in swimming at the moment?

I would love to get back on track to beating my backstroke PBs and making counties again for next year.

8. What advice would you give to younger swimmers who are just starting to compete?

I remember being so nervous for club champs when I first started and was so worried I wouldn’t get to my race on time or my goggles would fall off (which never happened) and I just want younger swimmers to know that everyone including me are always happy to help/give advise/ guidance.

9. What do you enjoy most about being part of Harwich Swimming Club?

Definitely training and competing with the friends I have

10. Do you think you’d like to continue coaching or teaching alongside your swimming in the future?

I definitely want to continue and I’m looking to complete my coaching qualification next.

Closing

Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club is proud to see swimmers develop not only in the pool but also as role models within the club.

Jasmine’s willingness to support younger swimmers while continuing to train and compete shows the positive pathway that swimming can provide. The club is delighted to have her helping the next generation of swimmers develop their confidence, skills and enjoyment of the sport.