Behind the WaterBears Name
Water bears are biologically known as Tardrigrades. These little extraordinary creatures are found everywhere on earth. They survive in the harshest and most extreme of environments, that would kill the majority of other species. They even survive being in outer space. It is their adaptability to their environment, which makes them so incredible. Scientists are certain that they have survived the five mass extinctions on earth. They are seen as a pioneer species in new habitats. All they need is a little moisture to fully thrive. Like water bears adapting to their world around them, resilience is the goal for our WaterBear swimmers in the aquatic environment. Thriving and learning a new life skill to fully enjoy swimming.
Swimming services we offer
WaterBears offer various swimming services in Pretoria and surrounding areas:
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Learn to Swim (LTS) lessons at a number of facilities
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Preparation of swimmers for competitive swimming
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Competitive club swim coaching
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Stroke correction
Meet Natasha – Founder & Head Coach of WaterBears Swim School
Natasha
Head Coach and Owner
WaterBears was built on Natasha's passion for helping every swimmer discover confidence, joy, and a lifelong love for the water. As the founder and head coach, she believes that swimming is about so much more than learning a skill—it's about building courage, creating opportunities, and making every child feel safe and capable.
Natasha is a Swimming South Africa (SSA) affiliated Learn to Swim (LTS) Instructor, Level 1 Competitive Swim Coach, and a qualified SSA Assessor. She holds an MCom degree, which she completed Cum Laude, bringing both professional expertise and strong leadership to WaterBears.
Swimming has always been at the heart of Natasha's life. She is actively involved in the sport on many levels, from coaching swimmers and mentoring instructors to educating new coaches, managing a swim club, and supporting her own children's competitive swimming journey. Her wealth of experience allows her to guide swimmers of all ages and abilities with patience, knowledge, and genuine care.
At WaterBears, Natasha has created more than a swim school—she has built a community where every swimmer is encouraged, celebrated, and given the confidence to thrive. Her dedication to water safety, quality coaching, and the personal growth of every child is the foundation on which WaterBears continues to grow.
Meet the WaterBears team
Our team of qualified instructors and friendly support staff is passionate about helping every swimmer thrive. We are dedicated to providing high-quality swimming lessons in a safe, encouraging, and fun environment where children can build confidence, develop water safety skills, and enjoy every step of their swimming journey.
Alica
Alicia is a qualified Learn to Swim (LTS) instructor who is passionate about helping swimmers develop confidence and a genuine enjoyment of the water. Firm but fair, she encourages each swimmer to challenge themselves while creating a safe and supportive learning environment. As an aspiring high school teacher, Alicia has a particular interest in autistic swimmers and is passionate about using aquatics to promote confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
Amy
Amy has been a qualified Learn to Swim instructor since 2023 and currently teaches Learn to Swim, Stroke Introduction, and School Squad classes at WaterBears Swim School's Anton van Wouw branch. With many years of swimming experience, she brings a strong understanding of the sport to her coaching. Amy enjoys helping swimmers refine their abilities, overcome challenges, and develop a lasting appreciation for swimming.
Corinna
Corinna is a qualified Learn to Swim (LTS) instructor with 12 years of competitive swimming experience. Her extensive background in the sport has given her valuable knowledge of swimming technique and training. Corinna is passionate about sharing this experience with her swimmers, helping them grow in confidence, improve their skills, and discover the enjoyment that comes with progressing in the pool.
Irma
Irma is a qualified Learn to Swim (LTS) instructor who has been part of the WaterBears Swim School team at Anton van Wouw since February 2025. Before joining WaterBears, she spent 11 years swimming competitively, developing a strong foundation in the sport. Swimming remains one of Irma’s greatest passions, and she continues to swim daily as part of her own fitness and exercise outside of teaching at WaterBears. She takes great pleasure in encouraging young swimmers, helping them build confidence and develop a positive relationship with the water.
Jessica
Jessica has been part of the WaterBears Swim School operations team since January 2026. She plays an important role behind the scenes as the designated driver, safely transporting swimmers to and from lessons, while also assisting Natasha with the day-to-day administration of the swim school. Jessica also serves as Team Manager at WaterBears galas, helping coordinate events and support swimmers, coaches, and families. Her enthusiasm for swimming and the WaterBears community extends beyond the pool, where she enjoys contributing to the smooth running and growth of the team.
Accreditation and Affiliation
WaterBears is an accredited swim school under the auspices of the national governing body, Swimming South Africa (SSA). This requires that all instructors and coaches are correctly qualified and comply annually to registration requirements.
WaterBears Swim Club is affiliated to and compete under the Northern Tigers Swimming (NTS) district; compliant to the Swimming South Africa Code of Conduct.
All WaterBears Learn to Swim instructors are SSA Learn to Swim instructor qualified.
WaterBears Swim Club Coaches are SSA Level 1 Competitive Swim Coach qualified.
