Meet the Calm Seas Team
Makala Jones
I found swimming at the early age of 7 and I was lucky that it just clicked! I soon became part of the Welsh regional squad and went on to become Welsh Champion.
Some 25 years later, both of my children took up swimming and I trained as a pool swim coach. I thrived at being part of their journey, teaching and supporting people in the water. I am now a L2 Open Water Swim Coach, L2 Swim England Pool Coach and Surf Lifeguard.
Never one to shy from a challenge, I've taken part in triathlons and finished the Ironman Wales. Last year I took on my biggest so far - The English Channel - completing my solo crossing in 16hr 25min, a day I will never forget! Colin was my coach and Jemeima was onboard as crew on the crossing.
I can now say I’m Makala Jones, a Channel Swimmer!!
I have a huge love for the cold water and took part in the Ice Swimming Championships in 2023, swimming in water 0c to 1.8c doing butterfly, breaststroke and freestyle… never in my wildest dreams did I ever think at my age that would happen.
I love seeing people grow in confidence in the water, the freedom it gives people is just wonderful, this is why I started Calm Seas - to help people stay calm in the water in all conditions.
The Calm Seas team all have something different to offer, I feel so proud and lucky to be part of this amazing team, with so much potential in the water.
Colin Hughes
I have been a L2 Open Water Swimming Coach for 2 years, coaching clients in their journey from hesitant heads up swimmers, to endurance freestyle distance swimmers.
I am also a L1 Swim England Assistant Pool Coach, Surf Lifeguard, Outdoor First Aider, MIAS MTB Leader and I’m currently studying for a L4 Sports Nutrition Qualification.
I have been involved in endurance sports for decades, ranging from mountaineering, rucking 30 miles with a 40 lbs pack, trail running and mountain biking - completing 8 x 24 hour MTB races, 6 x 12 hour races and numerous day events.
I have supported long endurance swims 5 - 10km, coached and supported a Solo English Channel Swim and Relay English Channel Swim Team, and 4 Bristol Channel Swims of differing routes.
Enabling people to build confidence, fine tune their technique, swim further and for longer really drives me, watching people thrive in the open water.
Jemeima (Jem) Richardson
I’ve been an Adventure Guide since 2019 and was keen to broaden my knowledge, so went on to become a STA L2 Open Water Swim Coach in April 2023.
I was inspired to become a coach after my time as a guide, I found my love for helping people achieve goals that they never thought possible. I signed up for tuition from Makala, and seeing how much it helped me on my swimming journey, I thought I’d join her in sharing that awesome feeling of supporting and helping others achieve the same.
To really put my swimming skills to the test, this year I took part in the International Winter Swimming Championships in Estonia... and despite my nerves about how cold it would be - only 0c to 1.8c, I decided I actually really quite like swimming in ice cold water!
This summer I have thrown myself into another challenge and I’m proudly part of The Bluetit1 Relay Team who will be swimming the English Channel in June.
I am also proudly RNLI crew for the St Davids Lifeboat Station.
Katie Doughty
I learnt to swim at the age of 5, encouraged by my Mum (Makala) and prior to my first swimming lesson, I remember not wanting to go at all as I was very nervous...but when I plucked up the courage I absolutely loved it!
Like my Mum, I joined my local swim club at 8, and swam competitively for the Milford Tigers for many years.
Competitive swimming was something I truely thrived upon, I enjoyed all 4 strokes, but breaststroke was definitely my favourite, and at 12 I finished 3rd at the Welsh Nationals.
I hadn't considered coaching until Mum asked if I would like to help her with the lessons for Calm Seas. I love being able to pass on my knowledge and passion, seeing people blossom in their swimming journey, and it's inspired me to gain my official coaching qualifications very soon.
I’m also a Pool and Surf Lifeguard so I can support with vital safety at the poolside and in the open water.
