Sydney swimming teacher who ‘changed industry’ remembered after secret health battle

A beloved Sydney swimming educator has left behind a powerful legacy after succumbing to a quiet battle with cancer.

Tracey Ayton dedicated her life to teaching kids with disabilities to swim, running her non-profit Little Heroes Swim Academy “off an oily rag” for decades, according to her son who now hopes to keep his mother’s dream alive.

“She was just one of the strongest women I’ve ever had in my life,” Tracey’s son Dean Ayton told 7NEWS.com.au.

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“She was so determined not to let those kids down, so she just kept pushing and pushing and pushing, all the way up to her final breath the other day, she kept fighting. That’s the type of person she was. 

“Even two days before she passed, she asked me to pick up the phone … to make sure the last grant went through.”

Tracey began teaching kids to swim in a rented lane at Bondi Icebergs, before instructing teachers, teaching babies, and then teaching kids with disabilities. Industry peers said Tracey “truly changed the face of the swimming industry”.

She worked with thousands of families during her time as an educator.

“She fell in love with the people, the kids, and loved giving them that joy of being in the water and teaching them water skills when not a lot of people would actually give them the time to do that,” Dean said.

Tracey co-founded inclusive swim school Little Heroes Swim Academy in 2012, and now her sons Dean and Brett hope to keep the school afloat for her. They have launched a fundraiser for exactly that purpose.

They want to keep the doors open and expand the program that can currently only afford to operate a few days a week.

Swimming educator Tracey Ayton has been remembered for transforming the swim safety sector in Australia. Credit: Supplied

The Little Heroes team said they will grieve Tracey’s death “tremendously”.

“Tracey’s dedication to inclusion and giving voice to those without one, has left an enduring impact on literally thousands of children and families. For many families, these were relationships forged during their toughest of times, with Tracey’s support often extending beyond the water.

“She created a world for all families and students to enjoy, to be embraced, to be seen, to be included.

“Tracey was a force and we are heartbroken.”

Tracey’s sons Brett (left) and Dean hope to keep their mother’s dream alive, and the doors to Little Heroes Swim Academy open. Credit: Supplied

Tracey battled cancer for years, but told very few people about the health battle she was enduring.

“She even kept it under wraps to her two kids,” Dean said. “We only found out exactly how bad it was in the last week of her life.”

Tracey was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer three-and-a-half years ago, before the cancer spread to her liver last month, and she passed away three weeks later.

‘Her influence reached thousands’

Tracey’s friends, peers and students in the swimming education industry have shared heartwarming tributes recognising her major contribution to the water safety sector.

“For more than 25 years, Tracey dedicated her life to teaching children to swim, mentoring swim teachers and championing drowning prevention,” SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia said.

“Her influence reached thousands of families and aquatic professionals across Australia and beyond. Tracey was an inspiring educator, generous mentor and a tireless advocate for creating safer communities through water education.

“Her passion, knowledge and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to learn from or work alongside her.

“Rest in peace, Tracey. Thank you for everything you gave to our industry. Your legacy will never be forgotten.”

Tracey Ayton with Little Heroes Swim Academy co-founder Chris Liu (left), and long-serving swim teacher and mentor Pete Dunn (right). Credit: GoFundMe

NSW swim school All Coast Swim Stars said: “The lasting impact she has had on the swim teaching community on inclusiveness is immeasurable.”

The Australian Swim Schools Association said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of their “long-time water safety warrior”.

“Tracey gave countless volunteer hours over the last 20 years to help keep kids safer in and around water. She will be deeply missed by the Water Safety committee and our whole swimming community.”

“We also encourage those who can to donate to Little Heroes’ ‘Keep the Doors Open’ appeal, helping her team continue this much-needed service for our swimming community.”