Laura McNab

Laura is an occupational therapist and aquatic practitioner with over 14 years’ experience in the swimming and learn-to-swim industry. Her background includes swim teaching, squad and stroke development, program coordination, instructor mentoring, and inclusive aquatic practice, supporting swimmers from infancy through to adolescence.

Alongside her aquatic work, Laura has spent the past decade in occupational therapy, supporting children and families in improving participation, regulation,and engagement in complex learning environments. She continues to use aquatic therapy within her current OT practice, working with children aged 0–18years, including neurodivergent swimmers and those who experience fear, resistance, or heightened responses in the water.

Laura is the founder of RISE and is currently developing Beneath the Surface: Nervous System-Led Swim Teaching, an ongoing support framework for learn-to-swim instructors. Her work bridges neuroscience, occupational therapy, and real-world poolside practice, with a strong emphasis on practical interpretation of behaviour, reducing escalation, and supporting swim teachers to feel confident and effective without adding to their workload.