swim fearless
About Swim Fearless
Expert aquaphobia coaching that addresses the root cause of your fear, not just the symptoms.
Our Story
Swim Fearless History
Swim Fearless was founded in 2024 by Katrice Rodrigues after working with adult swimmers at Unity Swimming CIC and noticing a pattern: fear was the biggest barrier to learning.
Many of the adults who came to Unity Swimming had tried to learn before—some multiple times. They knew they “should” be able to swim. They understood it logically. But when they got near water, their bodies said no.
Exploring Aquaphobia
That’s when Katrice upskilled as an Advanced Aquaphobia Coach with the Institute of Aquaphobia. The training opened her eyes to the psychological, neurological, and emotional roots of water fear and how traditional teaching methods often make it worse.
Trauma-informed Coaching
Swim Fearless was born from that realisation: People with aquaphobia don’t need better swim lessons. They need trauma-informed coaching that addresses the fear first.
Move From Fear to Freedom
Now, Swim Fearless serves people all over the world through online coaching, in-person sessions, and the Water Warrior Workshop, helping them move from fear to freedom, one step at a time.
Our Mission
To empower people from all backgrounds, all over the world, to overcome their fear of water and live their best lives, whether that means learning to swim, enjoying holidays by the sea, or simply taking a bath without anxiety.
Our Approach: The Floating Freedom Formula
Traditional swim lessons focus on technique. Swim Fearless focuses on transformation.
Our signature Floating Freedom Formula is a 7-step system specifically designed for people with water fear:
01
Confidence & Connection
Building trust with the water and your coach.
02
Relaxation & Rhythm
Learning to regulate your nervous system in water.
03
Balance & Belief
Discovering that your body naturally floats.
04
Grace & Glide
Moving through water with ease.
05
Movement & Momentum
Independent swimming begins.
06
Leap & Liberation
Jumping in and embracing deep water.
07
Wisdom & Wellbeing
Water safety, survival skills, and true confidence.
Foundation: Calm & Controlled
At every step, you know how to stay safe and trust yourself.
This isn’t just swimming lessons. It’s a psychological and physical journey from fear to freedom.
meet katrice rodrigues
Founder & Advanced Aquaphobia Coach
Katrice Rodrigues is an Advanced Aquaphobia Coach (Institute of Aquaphobia), Swim England Tutor, and the founder of Unity Swimming CIC and Swim Fearless.
With nearly 30 years of teaching and coaching experience, Katrice understands that fear of water isn’t “all in your head” it’s real, it’s valid, and it’s solvable.
As a Black competitive swimmer in Leicester in the late 80s and early 90s, Katrice experienced firsthand what it’s like to feel isolated and different in aquatic spaces. That lived experience, combined with her advanced training in aquaphobia and trauma-informed coaching, makes her uniquely qualified to support people from all backgrounds in overcoming their water fears.
Katrice is also a keynote speaker and trainer, educating the aquatics industry about diversity, inclusion, and aquaphobia awareness.
Learn more about Katrice’s other work:
Katrice Rodrigues – Keynote Speaker
Speaking and training on diversity and aquaphobia in aquatics
