Since 2019
Freya Williams Swimming Academy has proudly evolved from Lucy Williams Swimming Academy, which has been delivering high-quality swimming lessons in Fareham and the Southampton area since 1995.
Under new ownership by Freya Williams—who has been teaching swimming since 2019—the academy continues to provide the same trusted, professional, and passionate approach that families have relied on for decades. While the name has changed, everything else remains the same: our experienced teaching, supportive environment, and commitment to every swimmer’s progress.
Our story
We’re also delighted that Lucy Williams remains an integral part of the academy and will continue to teach, ensuring familiar faces and expertise that so many of our swimmers know and trust.
Swimming is at the heart of what we do. From babies to adults, nervous beginners to confident swimmers, we are dedicated to helping every pupil achieve their personal goals. Our lessons are designed to build water confidence, develop strong technique, and foster a lifelong love of swimming in a fun and engaging way.
We keep our children’s classes small to ensure individual attention and maximum participation, supporting swimmers from pre-school through to teens. We also offer one-to-one sessions for adults and improvers across all abilities.
Freya Williams Swimming Academy is proud to continue the legacy of excellence built over the past 30 years—delivering the same high standards, with a fresh new name.
Why Families Choose Us
Expert, Friendly Instructors
Our experienced teachers know how to bring out the best in every swimmer. With a patient and encouraging approach, we help children build confidence while learning essential skills.
Structured Progression
We follow a clear, step-by-step pathway so every swimmer knows exactly how they’re improving. From first splashes to strong, confident strokes, progress is always visible.
Supportive, Safe Environment
We create a calm and welcoming space where children feel comfortable and supported. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, giving parents complete peace of mind.
or call us on 07495 533 644
Meet the Instructors
Freya Williams
“Swimming has been a central part of my life from an early age, growing up in a family deeply involved in competitive swimming and water polo. This lifelong connection to the water has shaped both my personal and professional journey.
As a qualified primary school teacher specialising in Physical Education, I bring over eight years of experience teaching swimming alongside my classroom career. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels encouraged to progress at their own pace—building confidence, developing technique, and fostering a genuine enjoyment of the water.
Taking over the swim school is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I am committed to continuing its trusted reputation while bringing fresh energy and dedication to every lesson. Each session is designed to be engaging, structured, and enjoyable, because every child learns differently and every achievement matters.”
Swim School Director & Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Lucy Williams
“Growing up in a seaside village, swimming was a central part of my life from an early age. I competed at club, county, and international level, representing both England and Great Britain, and spent a decade playing water polo internationally for Great Britain. I have continued to enjoy competitive swimming as a veteran, embracing the challenge it brings.
I founded LWSA in 1995 and feel incredibly fortunate to have taught so many swimmers across the Southampton area. My passion for swimming has always shaped the ethos of the school—balancing strong technique, water safety, and personal progress with engaging, enjoyable lessons.
As a Swim England Level 2 Open Water Coach, I particularly enjoy open water swimming and sharing that experience with others. Known for my boundless energy and enthusiasm, I have always aimed to inspire confidence, perseverance, and a lifelong love of the water in every swimmer.”
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
“My love for swimming began as early as I can remember and has remained a constant throughout my life. I swam competitively at school and went on to represent my university on the water polo team, developing my skills and appreciation for the sport.
After qualifying as a lifeguard, I spent many hours observing swimming lessons. Seeing swimmers grow in confidence, develop their technique, and enjoy the process inspired me to become a teacher myself. I have now been teaching swimming since 2012, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable roles I’ve had.
Alongside my experience as a former primary school teacher, I bring a patient, supportive approach to every lesson—helping each swimmer feel confident, capable, and motivated to progress at their own pace.”
Level 2 Swimming TeacherJoe Monteith
Fran Sydenham
“I have been teaching swimming for nearly 15 years, working with a wide range of swimmers—from baby lessons, through to squad-level athletes and triathletes refining their performance and adults regaining their confidence. This breadth of experience has given me the ability to adapt my teaching style to suit each individual’s goals and abilities.
Throughout my career, I have taught at well-established facilities, including The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex and David Lloyd, building a strong foundation in delivering high-quality, structured lessons.
I am truly passionate about what I do, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing a swimmer progress and achieve their goals. Watching that journey unfold brings a real sense of pride and enjoyment, and continues to motivate me every day.”
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Maisie Unsworth
“I have been working in secondary education since 2019, before moving into swimming teaching, where I discovered a real passion for teaching in the water after attending baby swim classes with my son at FWSA. From that moment, I was inspired to train and become fully qualified.
I now teach beginner to intermediate lessons, as well as pre-school sessions, supporting children as they build water confidence, develop essential swimming skills, and—most importantly—enjoy their time in the water. Safety is always my top priority, and I strive to create a supportive, secure environment where every child feels confident to learn and progress.
Being in and around water has always been a big part of my life, whether that’s swimming in a pool, sea swimming, or spending time on the water kayaking or paddleboarding. I love sharing that enthusiasm with every swimmer I teach.”
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
“I’ve been part of LWSA since I was eight years old, after discovering my love for swimming through school lessons. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, and with the support and encouragement of LWSA, I began my competitive swimming journey in 2024 with Fareham Nomads.
As soon as I turned 14, I started volunteering as a poolside assistant alongside Lucy. From there, my interest in teaching developed, and I went on to achieve my Level 2 swim teaching qualification in my final year of school.
Swimming has given me so much over the years, and I love being able to give that back by helping children build confidence in the water and learn such an important life skill. I’m excited to continue growing as a teacher and to inspire the same passion for swimming that LWSA has given me.”
Level 2 Swimming TeacherErin Gott
What Our Parents Say
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Amazing progress in a short time
My son, who would never get his face or ears wet, had some one to one lessons with Freya and the change is amazing, he is now confidently submerged his head and is so much more confident! Despite his hearing loss, Freya made communication easy and targeted his needs!
- Rachel Collins
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A really supportive environment
Absolutely AMAZING academy for all ages. Beginners through to Elite swimmers. Fun sessions for all ages and abilities. Lucy and her fantastic team are inspirational instructors with so much patience.
- Sue Simmonds
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The highlight of our week
The patience, encouragement, and genuine care shown by Freya, Joe, and the whole team in every lesson have made such a difference.
I’m so grateful for the positive impact Freya and her team have had —not just on my children’s swimming ability, but on their confidence overall. I would highly recommend.
- Natasha Hulme
or call us on 07495 533 644