OSS welcomes new swim group coordinator

10th May, 2019

Ali Couch joined the OSS in March 2019 as Wild Swim Group Coordinator. Her role includes creating resources and an online network for community swimming groups.

“I’m really excited to take on this new post,” said Ali. “Swim groups can make a real difference in the local community and we have a lot of knowledge and experience to share with each other.”

Ali maintains the website’s Wild Swim Group list and is the first port of call for swim group leaders seeking advice from the OSS.

Ali is ideally placed to understand the challenges facing community swim groups and identify ways the OSS can provide support. Last year she set up Emsworth Sea Swimmers, she has swum with two other south coast groups and has reviewed feedback from many others.

“There is a need for resources for new swimmers on swimming safely and recommended swimming kit. It is also clear that swim group leaders would appreciate opportunities to network and share experiences,” said Ali. “I will tap into the expertise of OSS members and our registered swim groups to create these resources,” she added.

Ali’s career is in communications. She spent nine years working for the House of Lords and 15 years working in the charity and education sectors. She grew up in Portsmouth, where her passion for swimming and travelling began. She has backpacked through 61 countries (so far) and has swum off every continent. She is a keen scuba diver and a marine survey volunteer for ORCA.

Contact Ali on groups@outdoorswimmingsociety.com

Liz Lowe

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