Welcome!

Hi, I’m Lisa Blackburn, the HeadCoach and owner of TheSwimLife.co.‍ ‍

Often nicknamed the Chief Motivation Officer (CMO) as I love to inspire, motivate, and empower my clients to be confident in their abilities. I have over 30 years of professional, international experience as a swimmer and 3-time Pan American Games medalist, world-class athlete, and swim coach. I want to share my knowledge with you so you can learn to swim or become a faster swimmer and better athlete…quickly.

I swam internationally for both Bermuda and Canada and retired after a 30+ year athletic swimming career. I competed in 3 Pan American Games in 2003, 2011, and 2015. I am the only other Bermudian female athlete (besides the amazing Flora Duffy) to have won an international games medal (2 silver and 1 bronze at the 2003 Pan American Games).

I graduated from the University of Ottawa with an honors degree in Human Kinetics. I also completed a degree in Education, and I am a certified primary/junior teacher with an additional special education certificate. In other words, I know how to teach you and/or your kids how to learn new skills and how to move like an athlete.

I have coached professionally for Gulliver Preparatory School and Swim Club (Miami, FL), Region of Waterloo Swim Club (Waterloo, Ontario) and Nepean-Kanata Barracudas Swim Club (Ottawa, Ontario). I have led my athletes to youth championships, junior nationals, USA High School Championships and the TYR Proffessional Swim Series of events.

My hobbies include photography, gardening, and traveling . I love just about any flavor of ice cream and try not to eat so much! My next dream destination is Africa, and I would love to go on a safari.

I look forward to sharing my swimming experience and educational tools with you to help you achieve your goals. You can achieve anything in the pool, complete a triathlon, or even enjoy open-water swimming fitness. I look forward to working with you soon.

Lisa’s Personal Swimming Best Times

Degrees & Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa

• Bachelor of Education & Ontario Teaching Certificate (with Special Education), Summa Cum Laude

• PN Level 1 Certified Nutrition Coach

• Certified Wellness Program Coordinator (C.W.P.C.)

• ASCA Level 2 Certified Swim Coach

• USA Swimming Foundations of Coaching 101 & 201

• USMS Level 1 Certified Adult Swim Coach (Learn To Swim - LTS)

• DōTerra Certified Essential Oils Specialist & Wellness Advocate

• Certified TRX Instructor 

• CPR/First-Aid/AED

Learn from the Best

I have been coached by and worked with some of the greatest swim coaches in the World. They have all contributed to my success as a swimmer and as a swim coach. I can teach you how to use the same skills, techniques and mindset tools in your swimming. I am grateful for the support and guidance from all of my coaches and mentors listed below:

• Chris Anderson, USA

• Randy Bennett, Canada

• Dean Boles, Canada

• Vlastimil Cerny, Canada

• Murray Drudge, Canada

• James Gibson, MBE, United Kingdom

• Dave Heinbuch, Canada

• Sean Kao, USA

• Eduard Levites, Canada

• Bruce Marchionda, USA

• Bud McAllister, Canada

• Brian Sutton, Australia

• Kevin Thorburn, Canada

• Paul Yetter, USA

Partnerships. Sponsorships.

Let’s work together! Always looking to collaborate with like-minded people, businesses and brands.

Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisablackburn_