Personal. Experienced. Individual.
My name is Dean Vrakela — a certified swimming instructor, former national team athlete, and someone who has been at home in the world of swimming for over 40 years.
I have worked with children touching the water for the very first time, adults finding the courage to begin, and young athletes pursuing ambitious goals at club level. This combination of grassroots and performance sport has shaped my perspective: every person learns differently — and every child deserves guidance that truly reflects that.
In my teaching, there is no such thing as a “standard solution.”
I observe carefully, I listen, and I adapt each lesson to the child in front of me. Some need calm, others need structure, and some need a moment of lightness and laughter before they are ready to take the next step.
Children come with different experiences, personalities, and learning speeds — and that is exactly what makes this work so meaningful. I do not see these differences as a challenge, but as a gift.
My strength lies in understanding what a child needs in a given moment to make progress — and to ensure that this progress feels natural and encouraging. For me, swimming is not just a skill; it is a path to building confidence. And for many children, that path looks different: sometimes playful, sometimes technical, sometimes very gentle.
You are always welcome to be present during the lesson. I want you to see how your child learns, how they grow, how uncertainty becomes control, and how small movements turn into real ability. Transparency creates trust — and trust is the foundation of meaningful learning.
I teach because I want to help people become strong and confident in the water.
Whether your child is just starting out or may one day wish to pursue swimming more seriously, they will receive guidance grounded in experience, patience, and genuine attention. And if a young swimmer chooses to take the path toward performance sport, I support that journey with the knowledge gained from more than two decades of training at both club and national team level.
If you are looking for someone who will not simply “guide your child through a course,” but truly sees, supports, and encourages them — I would be delighted to meet you.

Profile
Junior National Team Croatia (1989–1991) · Multiple Austrian National Champion · Austrian National Team (2000–2006) · Youth and Performance Squad Coach in Vienna (2004–2011) · Junior National Team Coach Austria (2008–2009) · Certified Swimming Instructor & Lifeguard.