Often characterized as “The Dolphin Tail,” Michael Burrows is a Queensland native and swim instructor for over six years. He was a swimmer growing up and fell into swimming again later in his life – literally! Michael had an accident while sky-diving – he landed in a tree, causing a compound fracture of his left femur. During the rehabilitation process, he frequently swam as a low-impact form of exercise to help with healing. In this week’s Instructor Spotlight, Michael talks about his experience with AquaMobile and shares a recipe for his favorite post-swim snack!
Name: Michael Burrows
Location: Queensland, Australia
Certifications: Austswim Licence – Swimming and Water Safety, ASCTA – Swim Australia Teacher of Competitive Swimming, BlueCard – Working with Children, Pool Lifeguard
Q&A with Michael Burrows
How would you describe yourself?
MB: Creative, analytical, determined.
What are some tips you have for beginner swimmers?
MB: Turn your scared into bubbles, paddles, kicks, and floating! We acknowledge and work together to achieve these goals.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started swimming?
MB: Toes under for back floating!
What’s your favorite post-swim snack?
MB: Super Dooper Banana Cake.
Recipe –
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3-4 mashed bananas
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
- 90 g. butter
- ¾ cup sultanas
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1¼ cups plain flour
- ¾ crushed walnuts (optional)
Method: Cream together butter and sugar, add eggs, mashed bananas, and sultanas. Mix in flour with spices and soda. Bake in an 8” round tin at 350 degrees Celsius for about 50 minutes.
Why do you like working at AquaMobile as a swim instructor?
MB: AquaMobile offers a large range of clientele with differing levels of abilities in varied locations. [It] adds some interesting and challenging sessions to my day.
What has been your favorite experience teaching a client? Can you tell us a story?
MB: A favorite teaching experience of mine was helping an adult to grow further in his personal swim journey. He initially went to a nearby pool to attend an aqua aerobics class for some added fitness and general well-being. [When] asked to swim a couple of laps (20m) warm-up, my client realized these skills and abilities were not in his current personal arsenal. After some breath control drills and technical guidance, this AquaMobile client can now swim in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, survival backstroke, and tread water. Being able to increase confidence and independence is what puts a smile on my dial!
You can book with Michael if you’re in the Queensland, Australia area or you can book another one of our amazing swim instructors here.
Interested in joining the AquaMobile Team as a swim instructor or lifeguard? We’re always hiring – apply here!
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