About Qswim Adventure
Experience-led open-water swimming, from first dip to iconic challenges
Our founders and coaches
We have become one of the UK’s longest-established and most trusted open-water swim guiding and coaching teams. Based in the Northwest of England near the Lake District — a global hub for open-water swimming — we combine decades of personal swim experience with professional coaching, meticulous safety standards and a passion for helping swimmers achieve extraordinary goals.
Whether you’re just starting your open-water journey, aiming for a landmark solo swim, preparing for marathon distances, or dreaming of iconic challenges like the English Channel, we’re here to support you every stroke of the way.
Karen Quartermain
Karen is a dedicated and highly qualified swim coach whose own open-water journey fuels her passion for guiding others. With experience across lakes, seas and ocean channels, she brings empathy, encouragement and expertise to every swim plan and coaching relationship.
Karen’s qualifications include:
- ASA Level 2 Swim Coach
- STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach
- Powerboat Level 2 Award
- RLSS Open Water Lifeguard & First Aid
- British Triathlon Level 2 Coach
- Diploma in Cold Water Therapy
- Event organiser and mentor to 1,000+ swimmers since 2013
- Personal swim experience across Meres, Lakes, Lochs, relays and English Channel crossings in addition to a sideline hobby in Triathlon and Ultra Running
Karen specialises in bespoke training and helping swimmers turn big goals into achievable, memorable swim experiences.
Dave Quartermain
Dave brings decades of guiding, logistical planning and outdoor water experience to Qswim Adventure. A seasoned open-water swimmer, coach and event organiser, he’s guided thousands of swimmers through iconic swims and endurance events.
Dave's experience includes:
- ASA Level 2 Swim Coach
- Powerboat Level 2
- RLSS Open Water Lifeguard & First Aid
- Guiding open-water swims since 1995
- Swimmer and coach of the world’s first two-way Loch Ness relay
- Coach for the world’s first Manchester Ship Canal solo (36 miles) and Super Six challenge
- Mentor, coach and guide for 1,500+ swimmers
Dave’s expertise ensures every swim is supported with thoughtful planning, strong safety oversight and unwavering encouragement.
What makes us different
At Qswim Adventure, we don’t just plan swims. We help people build experiences they’ll remember. Our work combines professional coaching with community, confidence and practical guidance shaped around each swimmer.Whether you’re starting out in open water or working towards something much bigger, we’re here to support you with experience, honesty and encouragement, every step of the way.
Our philosophy
We believe that open-water swimming isn’t just a sport — it’s a life-changing journey. Whether you seek personal challenge, mental resilience, community connection or simply the joy of cold water, we’ll help you find your stride in the water and confidence in yourself.
Big ideas? Not sure where to start? Book a free kick-start call with Karen
If you’ve got an idea, a dream route, or just a feeling that you’d like to do something extraordinary, Karen can help you shape it into a realistic, safe and achievable plan. On the call, you’ll cover expectations, what’s realistic, and the likely steps needed to get there.
