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 certified nutrition 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 as a primary/junior teacher with a special education certificate. In other words, I know how to teach you and/or your kids how to move and be an athlete.

I have coached professionally for Gulliver Preparatory School and Swim Club (Miami, FL), Region of Waterloo Swim Club (Waterloo, Ontario) and NKB (Ottawa, Ontario).

My hobbies include photography, gardening, and just about any flavor of ice cream. I also love to travel and my next dream destination is a safari in Africa!

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

• 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_