About Us

background

Laura Sevenus, co-founder of Sevenus Swimming Tuition with her daughter Kirsten, first began her career of swimming instruction in 1964. In 1976, Laura had her own pool in Cape Town built which was specifically designed for teaching all age groups. She believed that like her, everyone should have fond and positive memories of leaning to swim. Throughout our 57-year history we continue to strive to achieve just that – happy and confident young swimmers.

Our Sevenus Swimming Method® is wholly child focused and based on the fact that every child is unique and will have their own individual way of achieving independence and survival skills in water.

We use techniques to build on what comes naturally to the child. The combination of sensitive tuition, delivered in a pleasing and comfortable environment, gives our swimmers the perfect backdrop in which to explore water - we watch as their confidence unfolds and they grow in pride.

Q: What is the Sevenus Swimming Method?

A: In brief, the difference with our way of teaching is that we observe our students individually and then facilitate each one in developing their own natural swimming ability. Without coercion or forcing, and working at the child’s pace, our pupils do not feel limited or constrained and faster results are achieved.

In a relaxed atmosphere, intuitive skills and abilities manifest without unnecessary interference, only guidance and encouragement. Self-confidence is derived from believing that “I can do it” and this supports the learning process. We believe that immeasurable self-esteem is acquired in this way.

more about laura

Laura Sevenus was a South African national competitive swimmer in the 60’s. She was one of five South Africans chosen to tour with the American Water Follies as a synchronized swimmer, thus changing her amateur status.

In 1964, her professional career began when she assisted the South African team coach training beginners, and later established her first private swim school. Her understanding of parent and children’s needs led to the creation of a purpose-designed facility for teaching swimming in Cape Town. This is where she developed what is now the Sevenus Swimming Method®.

She has contributed her evolving insight and expertise to various working groups in South Africa, Sweden, Germany and the UK and has been instrumental in defining swim teaching standards in South Africa. She is also a certified aquarobics instructor and Watsu® practitioner. She has created a comprehensive swimming teachers manual and authored ‘Practically Swimming’ a guide for parents as well as ‘The Baby Spa’ soon to be published.

She pioneered baby swimming in South Africa and in 2005 conceptualised a technique for enhancing the development of babies from birth, referred to by paediatricians as ‘ground breaking’.

about kirsten

Kirsten, as CEO of LSST, is a committed and gifted principal and a mother of three children. After swimming at a provincial level during her school years, she qualified as a photographer. However, the passion and fulfilment of teaching children to swim which emerged when working alongside her mother as a teenager, led her into a swimming vocation.

Besides other attributes, she has sensitivity, empathy and compassion which make her a natural leader who leads by example. She is equally popular with our clients, their children, management and staff alike. She appreciates how relevant and crucial working in harmony is for business success to effectuate staff contentment and client satisfaction.

She is enthusiastic and responsible in her role. She welcomes, that as teachers, we become part of a child’s life and that we are all privileged to be involved with families and the development and education of their children.

about annika

In 2002 due to increased demand we asked our cousin from Sweden, Annika Ekström, to relocate for a time and assist in operations. Her time with us proved to be extremely successful and she decided to join us fully, forming an integral part of our Kensington facility. Annika was also involved in establishing the pool in Chiswick in 2006 and is a not only a member of our family, but a valuable asset to our team. Before joining us, she studied for a Degree in Social Care and Pedagogy and has worked within a range of different settings from early years through to adulthood.

Over the last 19 years, Annika has developed extensive knowledge and experience in supporting children with special educational needs as well as specific physical requirements. She is a certified ASA Level 1 and 2 Instructor and provides hands-on training and instructor support in our ‘Sevenus Swim Method’. Our customers not only appreciate the contribution she makes with her hands approach to the running of the classes, but also her understanding of the parent/pupil/instructor relationship, which is vital to the successful progression and confidence of our pupils.

saving our planet one step at a time

As swimming teachers, we love teaching water skills and instilling health through regular exercise. However, we all know that staying healthy isn't just about physical fitness - it's also about the environment we live in. That makes us constantly evaluate how to reduce our carbon footprint.

Everyone is affected by the suffering of Our Earth's delicate and complex ecosystem. Incremental change can make an effective difference. Whilst every person has the option to make better choices about the way they live, businesses must also take responsibility. We too, are committed in helping to save our planet - one step at a time.

what we've already done

Pool water quality is one of our top priorities. Traditionally this involved using large amounts of chemicals. Reducing chemical use without compromising water quality and safety can be a conundrum, but we have found a number of ways to overcome this.

beginning with:

  • We expect that everyone showers before they swim.
  • Wearing caps is compulsory.

Adhering to these measures reduces foreign particles from clogging the filtration system. Without showering, fine particles from clothing adhere to skin and hair and these detach in the pool. Showering before entering the pool reduces this occurrence so consequently, filters are more effective and chemical usage is reduced.

what we have done to upgrade

  • We have increased our health and safety measures by installing an ultraviolet sterilizing (UV) system which eliminates bacteria and viruses thus minimising chemical usage in Chiswick.
  • We strive to stay abreast by introducing new technologies for the efficient operation of our pools, thus making a meaningful difference in our bid to save the planet.
  • We encourage shorter ‘after showers’ to save on energy and water consumption.
  • We no long use plastic shoe covers.
  • Our office has reduced the need for paper by processing information electronically.

challenges we are addressing

  • Our biggest challenge is to try to eliminate the use of plastic without jeopardising our health and safety standards. Plastic comprises the bulk of the 1.4 billion tonnes of waste entering our oceans each year.
  • Lack of support by all in what we are trying to achieve.

what we're still working on

  • We, like most UK retailers, are searching for locally produced items to support local industry which will significantly reduce our carbon footprint.
  • This year we are looking to source sustainable swimwear and pool equipment. If you know of reliable sources, we would be grateful for an introduction.

It is not often appreciated how much effort, from small businesses such as ours, goes into achieving positive impact. With co-operation, we can all contribute to preventing our oceans and water ways from total pollution far sooner. Please join us.

last but not least, an award to be really proud of

It is uplifting to learn that children are becoming increasingly aware of our planet and their environment. They are learning about recycling, reusing and reducing waste at school – and rightly so. In turn, children are pressing for family and friends to make better choices.

We cannot disappoint our children's initiatives. In support of this, we have made our Achievement Award medals eco-friendly. These are issued for well-deserved effort which has been applied for progress in swimming. We encourage and stand by the growing social awareness around the subject.

Is is our eco-friendly way to say ‘Well Done!’

our café

Now we are proudly nut-free in support of those who suffer with allergies.

  • Laura Sevenus was a South African national competitive swimmer in the 60’s. She was one of five South Africans chosen to tour with the American Water Follies as a synchronized swimmer, thus changing her amateur status.

    In 1964, her professional career began when she assisted the South African team coach training beginners, and later established her first private swim school. Her understanding of parent and children’s needs led to the creation of a purpose-designed facility for teaching swimming in Cape Town, this is where she developed what is now the Sevenus Swimming Method®.

    She has contributed her evolving insight and expertise to various working groups in South Africa, Sweden, Germany and the UK and has been instrumental in defining swim teaching standards in South Africa. She is also a certified aquarobics instructor and Watsu® practitioner.

  • Q: What is the Sevenus Swimming Method?

    A: In brief, the difference with our way of teaching is that we observe our students individually and then facilitate in helping them to develop their own natural swimming ability.

    By not leading or forcing the pace in any obvious way, our pupils do not feel limited or constrained and results can be achieved faster.

    They intuitively release their skills and abilities without too much interference, only with guidance.

    The confidence derived from knowing that “I did it” builds and supports the learning process. Self confidence acquired in this way is immeasurable.

  • Laura Sevenus was a South African national competitive swimmer in the 60’s. She was one of five South Africans chosen to tour with the American Water Follies as a synchronized swimmer, thus changing her amateur status.

    In 1964, her professional career began when she assisted the South African team coach training beginners, and later established her first private swim school. Her understanding of parent and children’s needs led to the creation of a purpose-designed facility for teaching swimming in Cape Town, this is where she developed what is now the Sevenus Swimming Method®.

    She has contributed her evolving insight and expertise to various working groups in South Africa, Sweden, Germany and the UK and has been instrumental in defining swim teaching standards in South Africa. She is also a certified aquarobics instructor and Watsu® practitioner.