In My Own Words: How Adult Swimming Lessons Boosted My Water Confidence
George's Story
Swimming isn’t just a great way to improve overall fitness – it’s also an essential life skill that can help you tick off those unforgettable bucket list moments, like swimming with dolphins!
Take George, for example, a self-taught swimmer and regular at our Blackwater Leisure Centre in Essex, who lacked confidence in his ability to swim in deep water. After feeling he missed out on an amazing opportunity to swim with dolphins on holiday, George took the plunge and enrolled in one-to-one adult swimming lessons.
Since starting lessons with Places Leisure, George (age 52) is now enjoying his newfound confidence in the water - swimming 400 metres , using different stroke techniques, and treading water for long periods – a real improvement from when he first started. He’s now keen to share his story to encourage others that it's never too late to learn or develop a skill for life and grab those bucket list opportunities with both hands.
"I enquired about swimming lessons after I overheard a lady say how much they have helped her and following a recent holiday where I didn't take advantage of swimming with dolphins as I lacked confidence and ability to swim in the deep ocean.” George said.
At the age of 52, George finally got the courage to approach Rob, Head of Swimming, to ask if he would be able to give him one-to-one lessons, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions George has made!
“From where I was in lesson one where I struggled to swim a width as I was not breathing properly- my technique after 52 years of being self-taught was let's say, not great - with Rob's patience, encouragement, and excellent tuition I feel like a totally different person” he added.
George can now swim 400 metres using different strokes which is a miraculous change from where he was. “I can also tread water for long periods of time, and I can hold my breath underwater for a minute which I could only do for 15 seconds when I started -being able to hold my breath in turn has given me more confidence in the water.”
Swimming lessons have really developed George’s water confidence, but he’s not looking to stop here. He explains why he’s keen to continue with lessons and why he would recommend Places Leisure swimming lessons to others:
“Not only have I learnt to swim I have seen I steady improvement in my overall fitness and I will continue my lessons to see how much more I can improve. Having a lesson scheduled each week gives me something to focus on and I am the type of person who needs pushing, which Rob is able to do with his encouragement and enthusiasm.
I would highly recommend lessons to anyone who wants to learn to swim it's never too late and hopefully my tale will encourage others to do what I am doing as it's so rewarding. I can't wait to show my husband when we are on our next holiday how I have improved."
We’re proud to support George in building his water confidence and developing a life-saving skill - and we can’t wait to hear about his next chance to swim with dolphins!
A skill for life
Learn more about learning to swim as an adult or sign up for adult swim lessons. It’s never too late to learn to swim and the benefits far outweigh any nervousness you might feel about taking the plunge. From family fun to holidays and staying healthy, swimming is a skill for life that will guarantee you a lifetime of water safety and enjoyment.
