Take the plunge with swimming club
Disability group is on the lookout for new members
01.09.2017 A swimming club for people with disabilities is looking for new members.
Renfrewshire Swimming Club for the Disabled has been running since the mid-1980s and is popular with people of all ages looking for some quiet time in the water.
The club used to meet in Elderslie Swimming Pool, but moved to the Victory Baths, in Renfrew, after it shut down.
People of all ages and disabilities are welcome and a spokeswoman for the club said it’s a great way to boost your mood.
She said: “There are times in the winter when it’s cold outside and I can’t be bothered, but you get down there, have your swim, chat to everyone then get your nice hot shower and you come out feeling quite smug that you’ve made the effort.
“The pool is very quiet on Sunday afternoon — it’s just the toddler swimming lessons and their parents.
“When I was first disabled, I felt very self conscious because I wasn’t very steady on my feet.
“No rma l s w imming sessions can be noisy with people jumping in, so it can be intimidating, which is why it’s very important that the pool is quiet.
“It’s just informal swimming sessions for disabled people.
“Some members don’t swim — they stand at the side and do hydrotherapy exercises.
“I’ve seen some big guys who haven’t walked for years who wear buoyancy aids and walk through the water and they feel really good that they’ve done it.”
The club has seen membership decline since it moved to Renfrew a few years ago and is keen to welcome new people along.
All ages and disabilities are welcome as well as siblings of disabled children. Carers can also go along.
Sessions are free and an ambulift is available for people with difficulty getting in and out the pool.
The club starts back on Sunday. Sessions take place every Sunday from 2pm till 3pm.
For more information on the club, phone 0141 889 7473.