Who's Who..
Find out who our Committe Members and Coaching/teaching team are:
Chair - Mike Thompson
I am a current member of the Masters Squad and have been involved with swimming for over 50 years, having swum at County level, competed competitively in Triathlon and having experienced multiple swimming clubs over the years. I am also a level 1 swimming teacher.
I recently retired from a corporate career in the Automotive industry, most recently as a UK Board Director for a large Retailer Group and therefore feel that I have the skills and experience to facilitate the role of Chairperson.
In particular, I would like to help the Coach develop the training time for the competitive squads, ensure that there is capacity for those who wish to swim at a less competitive level and support the ‘learn to swim’ programme in its aims to provide accessible swimming opportunity for all children.
I am a current member of the Masters Squad and have been involved with swimming for over 50 years, having swum at County level, competed competitively in Triathlon and having experienced multiple swimming clubs over the years. I am also a level 1 swimming teacher.
I recently retired from a corporate career in the Automotive industry, most recently as a UK Board Director for a large Retailer Group and therefore feel that I have the skills and experience to facilitate the role of Chairperson.
In particular, I would like to help the Coach develop the training time for the competitive squads, ensure that there is capacity for those who wish to swim at a less competitive level and support the ‘learn to swim’ programme in its aims to provide accessible swimming opportunity for all children.
Secretary - Lauretta Wozniczko
My son joined ESLSS as a member of the Competitive & Development section in the spring of 2023. He is loving swimming with the club and, as his parent, it is great to see everything this is bringing him – not only progression and enjoyment with his swimming, but also new friendships, and the challenge and excitement of competitions.
I would like to offer something back and to continue to build on the amazing opportunities the club can bring. I'm looking forward to getting involved in the role of Secretary, working as part of team to help things run as effectively and efficiently as possible as the club continues its exciting journey.
My son joined ESLSS as a member of the Competitive & Development section in the spring of 2023. He is loving swimming with the club and, as his parent, it is great to see everything this is bringing him – not only progression and enjoyment with his swimming, but also new friendships, and the challenge and excitement of competitions.
I would like to offer something back and to continue to build on the amazing opportunities the club can bring. I'm looking forward to getting involved in the role of Secretary, working as part of team to help things run as effectively and efficiently as possible as the club continues its exciting journey.
Treasurer - Sarah Gillingham
I swam for Exmouth Swimming Club in the 80's, reaching regional level and rejoined with my family in 2015. I became one of the Team Managers for the club and gained valuable experience attending a variety of galas. Being on poolside, in amongst the action is the best place to be, seeing swimmers a little nervous at the beginning but then grow into confident racers is really fulfilling. I also enjoy Marshalling at our own gala events.
I became Treasurer in 2021 using my swimming knowledge to develop the club's new membership and invoicing system. We continue to learn from this programme and it has revitalized our clubs' financial records.
I swam for Exmouth Swimming Club in the 80's, reaching regional level and rejoined with my family in 2015. I became one of the Team Managers for the club and gained valuable experience attending a variety of galas. Being on poolside, in amongst the action is the best place to be, seeing swimmers a little nervous at the beginning but then grow into confident racers is really fulfilling. I also enjoy Marshalling at our own gala events.
I became Treasurer in 2021 using my swimming knowledge to develop the club's new membership and invoicing system. We continue to learn from this programme and it has revitalized our clubs' financial records.
Membership Officer - Rachael Thompson
I am an existing member of Exmouth Swimming & Life Saving Society, who has spent the last few months in the role of Membership Secretary. I am therefore already familiar with the systems and processes involved in the smooth operation of this side of The Club and am happy to continue in the role for the next twelve months, with the support of the rest of The Club Committee.
I am an existing member of Exmouth Swimming & Life Saving Society, who has spent the last few months in the role of Membership Secretary. I am therefore already familiar with the systems and processes involved in the smooth operation of this side of The Club and am happy to continue in the role for the next twelve months, with the support of the rest of The Club Committee.
Head Coach - Rob Yardley
I enjoyed competitive swimmers until my mid-twenties and swam up to regional standard. I began teaching at around 15 years old at Westminster Swimming Club where I helped establish a learn to swim program, that fed into and supported to competitive squad. From here I moved to Southwark Aquatics where I took the position of Chairman whilst coaching the Development Squad, helping to shape the club and continue it's development, for a short period I acted as head coach between appointments, taking pool and dry land sessions.
I hope to use all these skills to steer the club and provide swimming for the community, and a team that can support swimmers to compete and achieve their goals.
I enjoyed competitive swimmers until my mid-twenties and swam up to regional standard. I began teaching at around 15 years old at Westminster Swimming Club where I helped establish a learn to swim program, that fed into and supported to competitive squad. From here I moved to Southwark Aquatics where I took the position of Chairman whilst coaching the Development Squad, helping to shape the club and continue it's development, for a short period I acted as head coach between appointments, taking pool and dry land sessions.
I hope to use all these skills to steer the club and provide swimming for the community, and a team that can support swimmers to compete and achieve their goals.
Learn To Swim Chair - Lisa Axon
I started with ES&LSS in the 70's training and competing as well as helping with Learn to swim. I returned to the club in 2013 when my daughter joined the club.
The Learn to Swim section is made up of volunteers who are passionate about teaching young people this valuable life skill. Co-ordinating the volunteers is the key and I have many years’ experience of managing complex projects involving UK and international stakeholders.
I have always wanted to support the club to provide a fun environment for the children of Exmouth to learn to swim, compete and develop confidence in the water. I am passionate about the future of ES&LSS and the children of Exmouth.
I started with ES&LSS in the 70's training and competing as well as helping with Learn to swim. I returned to the club in 2013 when my daughter joined the club.
The Learn to Swim section is made up of volunteers who are passionate about teaching young people this valuable life skill. Co-ordinating the volunteers is the key and I have many years’ experience of managing complex projects involving UK and international stakeholders.
I have always wanted to support the club to provide a fun environment for the children of Exmouth to learn to swim, compete and develop confidence in the water. I am passionate about the future of ES&LSS and the children of Exmouth.
Competitive & Development Chair - Jane Easton
My son started swimming with Exmouth S and LSS when he was 8; he’s now 30. I was in the café area one night watching him swim when one of the Committee members asked me if I would like to become the Competition Secretary for the Club – the rest; as they say is history.
I started from scratch; no knowledge whatsoever; even travelled all the way to Plymouth for an event to find it was the following week at Tiverton.
My son was never nervous competition swimming; but I was! I found it far better to be doing something; so I became a timekeeper; then a judge; a starter and finally a referee (licenced). There is a different system now; but back when I achieved these qualifications it was training and exams; was even scored on my whites!
I try and attend as many Open events as I can; to keep my knowledge up to date and help other clubs. I’m relicensed every 3 years. I became the Devon County Swimming Association training officer; training people to be timekeepers; judges and team managers; A role I really enjoyed; but since the introduction of on-line training this has stopped.
There are two highlights for me whilst being involved in swimming; the first was being awarded the Exmouth LSS Life membership and secondly I was asked to be the Devon County ASA President. A very busy year; being invited to other County events. Best of all I travelled with the Devon team to Sheffield; for the Intercounty event; two 50 metre pools back to back; amazing!
The Club hosts Open events every year; Rosette Gala; Summer Gala and the Christmas Cracker. We have 2 interclub galas and 3 galas as part of the East Devon Mini-League.
I'm responsible for organising all of these; but I certainly couldn’t do it without help. After the events I check times for PBs and NTs; club records and update the Thompson Trophy.
I'm also the SwimMark “officer” for the Club and I chair the competitive and development section sub-committee. The official definition is “SwimMark accreditation is Swim England’s quality standard for clubs. It recognises high standards of governance, sustainability and effectiveness.”
What it means is that we have to submit evidence that satisfies 16 criteria in order to comply with the standards. Every 3 years we are subject to a full review and once a year to a “health check”.
My son started swimming with Exmouth S and LSS when he was 8; he’s now 30. I was in the café area one night watching him swim when one of the Committee members asked me if I would like to become the Competition Secretary for the Club – the rest; as they say is history.
I started from scratch; no knowledge whatsoever; even travelled all the way to Plymouth for an event to find it was the following week at Tiverton.
My son was never nervous competition swimming; but I was! I found it far better to be doing something; so I became a timekeeper; then a judge; a starter and finally a referee (licenced). There is a different system now; but back when I achieved these qualifications it was training and exams; was even scored on my whites!
I try and attend as many Open events as I can; to keep my knowledge up to date and help other clubs. I’m relicensed every 3 years. I became the Devon County Swimming Association training officer; training people to be timekeepers; judges and team managers; A role I really enjoyed; but since the introduction of on-line training this has stopped.
There are two highlights for me whilst being involved in swimming; the first was being awarded the Exmouth LSS Life membership and secondly I was asked to be the Devon County ASA President. A very busy year; being invited to other County events. Best of all I travelled with the Devon team to Sheffield; for the Intercounty event; two 50 metre pools back to back; amazing!
The Club hosts Open events every year; Rosette Gala; Summer Gala and the Christmas Cracker. We have 2 interclub galas and 3 galas as part of the East Devon Mini-League.
I'm responsible for organising all of these; but I certainly couldn’t do it without help. After the events I check times for PBs and NTs; club records and update the Thompson Trophy.
I'm also the SwimMark “officer” for the Club and I chair the competitive and development section sub-committee. The official definition is “SwimMark accreditation is Swim England’s quality standard for clubs. It recognises high standards of governance, sustainability and effectiveness.”
What it means is that we have to submit evidence that satisfies 16 criteria in order to comply with the standards. Every 3 years we are subject to a full review and once a year to a “health check”.
Masters Chair - Jon Stanford
I enjoy my role as Masters representative for the Exmouth Swimming & Life Saving Society as it evolves following COVID. My focus is on maintaining the good communications and group spirit that have grown over the last few years, as well as encouraging participation in social, club and other swimming events. I aim to reply promptly to new membership enquiries, arrange taster sessions and serve as a point of contact welcome new members to the Masters section.
I enjoy my role as Masters representative for the Exmouth Swimming & Life Saving Society as it evolves following COVID. My focus is on maintaining the good communications and group spirit that have grown over the last few years, as well as encouraging participation in social, club and other swimming events. I aim to reply promptly to new membership enquiries, arrange taster sessions and serve as a point of contact welcome new members to the Masters section.
Welfare Officer - Natalie Senjack
I joined the swimming club in 2017 and I have two swimmers currently training regularly and attending a variety of galas.
I took on the welfare officer as I wanted to help the club meet all the Child Safeguarding responsibilities. I am also a committee member as well as a time-keeper and a Team Manager. I think it is an excellent way to support the club and have a say in decisions that impact on the children. I am keen to help improve the club as much as possible and to try and get other parents more involved with the running and volunteering roles. Exmouth swimming club is a fantastic club run by a great team whose aim is to ensure the children are happy.
I joined the swimming club in 2017 and I have two swimmers currently training regularly and attending a variety of galas.
I took on the welfare officer as I wanted to help the club meet all the Child Safeguarding responsibilities. I am also a committee member as well as a time-keeper and a Team Manager. I think it is an excellent way to support the club and have a say in decisions that impact on the children. I am keen to help improve the club as much as possible and to try and get other parents more involved with the running and volunteering roles. Exmouth swimming club is a fantastic club run by a great team whose aim is to ensure the children are happy.