Retired Friends Realising Lifetime Ambition By Learning To Swim at Water Meadows

Two good friends from Mansfield have taken the plunge and decided to reach a lifetime ambition by learning to swim.

Ann Whitworth and Lynn Trewick began their swimming journey together at Water Meadows in January and are making great strides in their progress.

Retired Library manager Ann, 64, explains that fear has always taken over learning to swim. “I’ve always been petrified of the water,” she said. “I never got taken to swimming lessons when I was younger, but it just got to a point where I said to myself that ‘enough is enough’ and I decided that now’s the time to learn!

“So I asked my friend Lynn and next thing we know we’re signed up!”

Lynn, 70, a retired hairdresser explains that she’s come close to learning before but explains that life just gets in the way. She said: “I’ve been comfortable in the water before, but it’s always been paddling, I’d really like to get out there and learn properly.

“I’ve been away with my daughter before and seen her doing lengths of the pool and I just sit at the side, really jealous that I want to be able to do that – so here I am!”

Friends Lynn and Ann have extra incentive to reach their goals on their swimming journey. They’ve booked a holiday together in July to the Spanish resort town of Salou, and they want to make the most of their trip.

“We’d both love to be able to do lengths of the pool whilst we’re out there. You always see people just going into the pool for a dip or a couple of lengths to cool off – we want that to be us!”

Ann and Lynn know that it’s not always easy to try something new, but Ann has some fantastic advice: “One thing I’d say is just take that first step.

“The most difficult thing you can do is make that first phone call. Tell the staff here you’d like to learn to swim they really go above and beyond to help you do that.

“It’s not an easy thing, saying you can’t do something, but you don’t feel judged, and our teacher Jenny has been so supportive and not rushed us through anything.”

Ann and Lynn’s swim teacher, Jenny Warrington, says she’s so happy with their progress.

“They have both made so much progress and have both achieved distance badges already.

“Both Ann and Lynn are a pleasure to have in the class and I’m sure they’ll enjoy swimming on their holiday in the summer.”