Meet Ashlee Barrett
Ashlee is the founder and owner of Tasmanian Aqua Avengers Swim Academy, a purpose-driven swim school based in Tasmania. Ashlee specialises in teaching babies, beginner swimmers, and children with additional needs who she proudly refers to as having “superpowers.”
Drawing on both her professional experience in the aquatic industry and her personal life as a parent and sibling of people with additional needs, Ashlee created a business focused on inclusive, safe, and supportive water education. Tasmanian Aqua Avengers Swim Academy officially began operating in May 2025 and is built on Ashlee’s passion for water safety, advocacy, and helping children gain confidence in and around the water.
Running a business can feel really overwhelming at times, especially when you’re doing it on your own. Having Grace there as a coach has helped me keep things in perspective and move forward with confidence. The solid support from Many Rivers has been invaluable especially on the days when I’ve felt defeated. Grace has always been there to pick me back up, coach me through challenges, and remind me that everything will be okay. – Ashlee Barrett
Read more about Ashlee’s business journey so far:
Ashlee’s Business
Tasmanian Aqua Avengers Swim Academy is a specialised swim school dedicated to inclusive water safety education. Ashlee works closely with babies, beginner swimmers, and children with additional needs, creating a supportive and understanding environment where every child can build confidence and essential life skills in the water.
Ashlee’s approach is grounded in safety, patience, and advocacy, with a strong focus on meeting each child where they are.
Working with Many Rivers
I’ve been working with Many Rivers for the past 12 months, receiving business coaching support from Grace. The support, knowledge, information, and guidance she has given me has been nothing but amazing.
Running a business can feel really overwhelming at times, especially when you’re doing it on your own. Having Grace there as a coach has helped me keep things in perspective and move forward with confidence. The solid support from Many Rivers has been invaluable especially on the days when I’ve felt defeated. Grace has always been there to pick me back up, coach me through challenges, and remind me that everything will be okay.
Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenge so far has been finding a solid centre or location where I can teach children how to swim and develop survival skills. The main hurdle has been getting the correct permits in place, which has made securing suitable locations more difficult than expected.
Biggest Success
My biggest success to date has been the support and feedback from my clients. Hearing positive feedback from families and knowing that they value and trust my service really reassures me that I’m doing the right thing and making a difference.
Biggest Change
The biggest change for me since starting my business has been my confidence. I feel a lot more confident in myself and in what I’m building. I’ve also experienced better work-life balance, which has been really important for me and my family.
Future Goals
Long term, I hope to be able to travel across Tasmania or eventually have multiple swim centres operating across the state. In the short term, I really want to focus on advocacy particularly around water safety so more families understand how important these skills are for children of all abilities.
Thank you Ashlee for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Ashlee’s small business, follow “Tasmanian Aqua Avengers Swim Academy” through the following links:
Website
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