Riza Gerochi is the CEO and co-owner of Torpedos Swim Sports Academy. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

When Riza Gerochi arrived in Dubai nearly two decades ago, she didn’t know that her first job patrolling the beaches of Al Mamzar Park would someday lead her to become the co-owner and CEO of the UAE’s fastest-growing sports academy. Today, as the co-owner and driving force behind Torpedos Swim Sports Academy, Riza’s journey is a story of quiet perseverance, courage, and a deep love for teaching people to swim — from babies taking their first splash to senior citizens conquering fears of water. “I started as a swimming instructor in the Philippines until 2005,” Riza says. “Out of 200 people who applied to work here in Dubai, only about 16 of us were hired.” At the time, Riza didn’t even know where Dubai was on the map. “The director of Dubai Municipality personally came to the Philippines to hire people,” she recalls. She was eventually assigned to Al Mamzar Park as a senior lifeguard, one of only a few women on the team. “It was a tough job,” she admits. “We were trained to be beach lifeguards and in first aid. I thought lifeguards just sit and watch people, but it’s more than that. We’re there to save lives.” After three years, Riza moved to the academe. Then the pandemic came. “It gave me the opportunity to start giving private swimming lessons.” That side job became the spark that reignited her lifelong dream of opening her own business related to sports. When lockdowns lifted, Riza’s calendar was full. Clients requested private lessons, word spread, and she realized there was room to build something bigger — her own swim academy.

Diving into entrepreneurship

Torpedos Swim Sports Academy was officially opened in 2022. Together with her business partner Ace Dimalaluan, Riza turned her passion into a thriving community hub. “I have students as young as eight months old,” she says. “My oldest student was a 73-year-old who overcame her fear of water after knee surgery. I even taught my business partner how to swim. There’s really no age limit to learning how to swim.” Now, Torpedos Swim Sports Academy has become one of the UAE’s top spots for sports lovers of all ages. From babies taking their first splash to seniors conquering lifelong fears of water, Riza and Ace have created a welcoming community that proves it’s never too late — or too early — to learn. What started as private swimming lessons during the pandemic has since grown into a full-fledged academy offering programs in swimming, triathlon training, fitness, and even underwater hockey. “Swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a life skill,” says Riza.  With a growing client base, Torpedos is making serious waves across the emirates. Their next goal? Building their own permanent facility that will serve as the go-to sports institution in the UAE. WDL/Expat Media

Quick fire with Coach Riza

Go-to song before training Nursery song! Coach with a soft heart They say I give tough love. Favorite cheat food after training Anything with rice. One swim gear you can’t live without Fins. Favorite UAE beach spot to unwind Palm Jumeirah. How do you recharge? I go swimming. For lessons, contact +971 501029443 or email torpedosswimsportsacademy@gmail.com. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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