Helen Hughes is a passionate disruptor in the world of swim education, with over 30 years of experience reimagining how swimmers of all ages and abilities learn, grow, and thrive in the water. She is the founder of Mini Water Adventurers and creator of the Orca Swim Trainer, a revolutionary teaching tool designed to support safe, independent exploration in the water. Helen leads with her Water Wisdom philosophy — a progressive, child-centred approach that blends emotional awareness, movement mastery, and deep respect for water. Through her purposeful play method, Helen uses imaginative activities and games to nurture confidence, skill development, and real-world readiness. She mentors swim teachers globally, writes practical resources, and inspires a shift from outdated methods to joyful, meaningful learning in the water.
Meet Helen Hughes
Reimagining Learn to Swim: Tools, Trust and Transformation with the Orca
It’s time to flip the script. In this thought-provoking and practical session, Helen Hughes introduces a fresh approach to teaching swimming that blends purposeful play, respectful tools, and deep child wisdom. Discover the Orca Swim Trainer, a game-changing teaching aid that supports independence, safety, and confidence in a wide range of swimmers. Learn how to build SMART swimmers using Helen’s Water Wisdom framework and walk away with engaging games and activities you can implement immediately — no matter your teaching style. Whether you’re new to playful learning or looking to reimagine your lesson structure, this session will challenge assumptions and inspire transformation.accommodate and/or modify your instructional skills to meet children and adults where they are and build them into confident swimmers.
What is Orca Swim Trainer?
Orca Swim Trainer is a revolutionary teaching aid designed to support young swimmers with freedom and security. Developed by swim educator Helen Hughes, the Orca helps children find their natural rhythm in water without restrictive armbands or rigid vests. Ideal for beginners, confident risk-takers, children with additional needs, and independent preschoolers, the Orca allows for vertical and horizontal movement while building true water awareness. Unlike traditional float aids, it complements skill progression and play-based learning, helping children feel the water — not fight it.
Key Features:
- Boosts water confidence & mobility
- Soft, flexible, child-hugging design
- Allows for natural exploration
- Supports purposeful play & safety skill development
- Used worldwide by forward-thinking swim schools
Available at www.miniwateradventurers.com /www.orcaswimtrainer.com
See Helen's Presentation