Omie in her own words:   “I’m a keen swimmer and swim teacher, having worked in the leisure industry since 2013. In my teaching role I've worked with a variety of different ages and abilities both in the UK and abroad.   I have been exploring the issue of diversity in aquatics and the leisure industry with my own project titled, ‘If 71% of the world is water, how can we feel at home if we don't know how to swim?’.    I currently work for the Black Swimming Association in community engagement and communication and volunteer in my spare time for Pride in Water, and work as a volunteer swim host for Mental Health Swims in the London region.”   “Swimming has given me so much – employment, friendships and both physical and mental health benefits.”     New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   Show notes Who is Omie Her work and love for swimming Getting into swimming from a young age Her love for teaching people Not being able to join a swim club Swimming competitively for her school Role models who inspired Omie growing up What she wanted to be  Being academic at school Talking with non swimmers Teaching people how to swim Wanting to make people feel as comfortable as possible The joy of swimming Loving outdoor swimming Swimming in London The support of the outdoor swimming community The stress of swimming in pools Advice and tips for outdoor swimming Go with experienced people when it’s your first time Why you need to be prepared Working for the Black Swim Association Working on a research project with the University of Portsmouth regarding Bone Density Engaging with community leaders across the UK Mental Health Swims and being a swim host Working with Patagonia in 2021 on the Outsiders Project What’s changed in swimming over the past few years Plans for 2022 and wanting to go with the flow a bit more Managing her mental health and putting herself first Needing to talk about other stuff apart from swimming Enjoying reading and writing  Needing a creative outlet Connect with Omie on the socials  Final words of advice The power of community  Being surrounded by people who are proud of you and support you   Social Media   Website: omie-dale.com    Instagram: @omiedale    Twitter: @omie_dale