From Radio Waves to Pool Waves: A BBC Producer’s Passion for Teaching Swimming
BBC Local radio teams from across the country raised an incredible £161,000 for Children in Need, swimming a combined 1000 miles in the week preceding Children in Need during November 2024.
BBC Radio Surrey producer and swimming teacher Sophia Atkins swam two miles each day for the challenge. She says:
“I’m exhausted but enjoyed it. Children in Need helps some great charities in our area, so that’s why I wanted to be involved.”
A Lifelong Love of Swimming
Sophia, 58, is passionate about swimming and has combined her career at the BBC alongside teaching swimming since qualifying back in 2010.
She explains:
“Swimming has always been a big part of my life. My parents encouraged me to learn, and as a strong swimmer I joined a club at around eight years old. I later swam in Masters competitions and with my university club at Birmingham. I’m passionate about the health and wellbeing benefits of swimming and still aim to swim four times a week.
“I joined the BBC in 1988 and have held roles as a producer, technical operator for sports programmes and journalist coordinator. My job is varied, booking guests, selecting lead stories, and even reading the weather and travel. Local radio is about people and real-life stories, which is perhaps why I also enjoy teaching swimming. Both roles combine listening, communicating, community and connecting with real people.”
Inspiring Others Through Teaching
Sophia trained to become a swimming teacher after her children joined their local swimming club. While volunteering and helping out, the coach encouraged her to get qualified. Since then, she has taught children to swim, including through the schools’ national curriculum programme. However, her greatest joy comes from teaching Swimfit classes at Freedom Leisure’s Woking Leisure Centre.
Sophia explains:
“I love teaching Swimfit, an adult class for those who want a challenging and varied workout. The goal is to help participants improve both their technique and speed in a supportive and social environment. Many join to boost their fitness, and what makes the class special is its friendly atmosphere and diverse group of swimmers. We get to know each other well, often chatting as much as we swim! Teaching stroke techniques is especially rewarding. Over the years, the group has become a community, even socialising outside the pool with events like Christmas get togethers.”
Sophia concludes:
“I really enjoy the flexibility of teaching swimming alongside my part time job at the BBC. The variety keeps me on my toes, and I know that with teaching swimming I can increase my hours should I need to.”