- Water Safety Ireland Swim Teacher
- Qualified Lifeguard
- Garda vetted & fully insured
Our Story
Swimming shouldn’t end when the levels do.
Like many children, my swimming journey began at just four years old. I progressed through lessons before qualifying as a Lifeguard, Assistant Swim Teacher, and eventually a fully qualified Water Safety Ireland Swim Teacher.
After several years teaching, I realised there was a gap in Carlow for swimming lessons delivered through the Water Safety Ireland programme, and that many swimmers complete a series of levels without a clear next step. Levels are a great way to measure progress, but I wanted to build something that went beyond certificates: a programme where every stage has a purpose, building confidence, developing strong swimming ability, and teaching lifelong water safety and lifesaving skills that make a real difference in and out of the water.
That vision became Star Splash Academy. From a child’s very first splash, our pathway continues through water confidence, stroke development, water safety, squads, junior lifeguarding, Water Safety Ireland awards, lifeguarding, swim teaching and instructor training, every stage designed to build on the last.
“Seeing children and adults achieve goals they never thought possible is what inspires me every day.”
How We Teach
Confidence comes before ability.
Every swimmer is unique
Some are ready to jump straight in; others need time to build trust. We never rush progress, we adapt to each swimmer's needs and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.
Every lesson has a purpose
Rather than simply chasing the next certificate, our programme builds strong swimming ability, confidence around water, and lifelong water safety and lifesaving skills.
Small enough to know you
With a maximum of four per group, we know every swimmer personally, providing individual guidance so everyone feels safe, encouraged and included.
Enjoyment above all
Whether you're six months old or sixty, it's never too early or too late. We don't just teach people how to swim, we help them build confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Safety & Safeguarding
Safe, supported, and welcome.
The safety and wellbeing of every swimmer is at the heart of everything we do. All of our instructors are qualified through Water Safety Ireland, Garda vetted, fully insured, and committed to ongoing training and professional development.
Water safety is more than a topic we teach, it’s embedded in every lesson. Alongside swimming ability, we build the knowledge, awareness and practical skills to stay safe in and around water for life.
- Water Safety Ireland qualified teachers
- Garda vetted & fully insured team
- Close supervision in tiny groups
- Ongoing training & development
- Inclusive lessons, incl. Sensory Swim
The Team
Ten people who love the water.
Lifeguards, Water Safety Ireland instructors and tutors, with backgrounds in education, coaching and sport, every one of them here because they love helping swimmers grow.
Come swim with us.
Book a term of lessons, join a waitlist, or start with a 15-minute assessment, whichever suits your swimmer best.