about us
Coach Jessica
Jessica Rahman is a certified Swim for Life Trainer and a registered affiliate of the Lifesaving Society, with over 20 years of experience in the aquatics field. Much of her career has been spent working with municipal programs, where she has taught swimmers of all ages and abilities — from infants taking their first strokes to instructors learning how to effectively teach swimming and water safety lessons. Her commitment to promoting water-safe behaviours and effective swimming techniques extends well beyond that of a typical swim instructor.
Prior to founding Water Safety First, Jessica spent ten years working as an Aquatic Programmer, where she played a key role in program development and delivery. She was also an active volunteer with the Red Cross during its Swimming and Water Safety Program, contributing to projects that supported education and community outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while on maternity leave with her twin daughters, Jessica continued her work by delivering online CPR and water safety seminars to children across British Columbia.
Jessica is currently an active volunteer with the Lifesaving Society BC/Yukon Branch and serves on the Aquatic Program Development Committee, where she contributes to shaping the future of aquatic education.
In 2025, Jessica was invited to present at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Egypt, attended by over 700 delegates representing multiple levels of government and more than 26 countries. Her presentation, “Thinking Outside the Box: Teaching Swimming and Water Safety in a Rapidly Growing City Unable to Meet Demand,” highlighted innovative approaches to aquatic education in high-growth communities.
Jessica is deeply passionate about her work and continually seeks new and creative ways to share her expertise in swimming and water safety.
Water safety first
Jessica launched @WaterSafetyFirst on Instagram in July 2020, while on maternity leave with her twin daughters, as a platform to share her expertise and passion for water safety education. Upon returning to her full-time role as an Aquatic Programmer, with the City, in September 2020, she quickly recognized that a primarily desk-based position did not align with her professional strengths or personal interests.
Jessica thrives in active, hands-on environments where she can directly engage with individuals and make a meaningful impact by helping people develop swimming skills and water safety awareness.
water safety education
Jessica also has a strong passion for Aquatic Fitness and has been a certified fitness instructor, through the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), since 2008. She is a certified Aquatic Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor and Supervisor of Fitness Leaders.
Jessica has volunteered as a media spokesperson for the Canadian Red Cross, delivered online CPR and safety courses to elementary school students across Canada, and developed water safety video content to educate the public and promote safe practices.