Tiffany Miguel: transforming swimming education and safety in South Africa
Tiffany Miguel, the pioneering founder of Splash Aquademy Swim School, is redefining swimming education and safety in South Africa.
Addressing a critical public safety issue, Miguel has transformed her passion for water into an initiative that not only teaches swimming but also sets a new global benchmark in aquatic education.
What began as a part-time foray into swimming instruction has blossomed into a mission-driven swimming school committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
With two heated outdoor branches in Kibler Park, Johannesburg South, and a newly acquired indoor facility in Roodekraans, Splash Aquademy caters to diverse needs, ensuring that everyone has access to quality swimming instruction.
Miguel's ambitious vision includes a unique swimming course that guarantees adults will learn to swim in just four weeks.
She tells Saturday Star this makes Splash Aquademy Swim School the only swim school to offer a money-back guarantee on swimming lessons.
“So everyone who comes to me has already made the decision that they need to swim, and in the first lesson I asked you the first key questions: three questions: why you don’t know how to swim, your name, and why you don’t know how to swim yet and why you want to swim now. Because why you want to learn is going to carry you through because it is not easy. But tt is 100% doable.”
Her commitment to swimming education extends beyond conventional teaching methods. Miguel reveals that she initiated a mentorship program aimed at empowering underprivileged youth to become certified swimming instructors.
One of her most notable success stories is of Theodora, a young woman who transitioned from living in Vosloorus to working as a swimming instructor in Dubai, supporting her family.
Miguel also takes pride in having taught a 91-year-old grandmother to swim, showcasing the academy's commitment to inclusivity across all ages.
“The mentorship program I do, I take underprivileged youth instructors, and I assist them in getting certified, and my biggest success story there is Theodora, who currently lives in Dubai as a swimming instructor. She was able to go from living in Vosloorus, and now she lives in Dubai; she supports her family. And another favourite one is the oldest person that we taught how to swim. A 91-year-old gogo.”
Recognising the pressing need for aquatic skills amidst South Africa's alarming drowning statistics, she details that she advocates for integrating swimming lessons into school curriculums and community outreach programs.
“Imagine a generation of South Africans who are not only confident swimmers but also advocates for water safety. This is the legacy we want to build,” she explains.
Her dedication does not go unrecognised as she has garnered attention for her transformative work, recently earning a nomination for the prestigious Woman of Stature South African Awards Gala Evening, taking place on April 12, 2025, at the Indaba Hotel.
The event honours innovation and leadership within the industry, featuring speeches from key influencers and the much-anticipated awards presentation.
Speaking about the recognition she said, “Recognition is incredibly humbling. While I find my greatest rewards in my clients’ smiles, this external acknowledgement feels great. It’s an honour to represent the aquatic community as the only nominated swimming instructor,” Miguel reflects, cherishing the recognition amid her hard work in the sports industry.
The statistics surrounding drowning in South Africa have been sobering. With drowning identified as a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children and young adults, the need for effective swimming education has never been more urgent.
Recent reports from Lifesaving South Africa have highlighted a worrying escalation in drownings, with 21 incidents reported in late November 2024 and an alarming increase to 42 cases during the subsequent holiday period.
Miguel’s Splash Aquademy stands as a beacon of hope in the midst of this crisis, setting the stage for a future where every South African has the confidence and skills to navigate water safely.
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za