One in a MILLION!
This week, we’re recognising the amazing work of Claire Dummer, 45, from Northamptonshire. She wrote to say…
I started working for Water Babies in 2008.
It’s an organisation that helps teach babies the early skills of swimming.
However, watching on, I always wanted to be a teacher – in the pool with the little ones.
Only, with no swimming qualifications, I had to train through the company.
Thankfully, by 2018, I’d done what I needed and started teaching newborns to four-year-olds.
I loved it, but I realised I wanted to push myself, too.
So, in January of last year, I started doing a 28 day, no alcohol challenge.
To replace alcohol, I needed to do a physical activity, and naturally, it was swimming.
To mix things up, I wanted to do open water swimming as I knew it would be more of a challenge. And so, with very little training, I took on the Serpentine Challenge, completing it in 52 minutes.
It was a great accomplishment, however, for the next few months, I was forced to take pain killers.
Although I was a swimming instructor, my breaststroke technique was very poor, and instead of gliding through the water, I was blocking it.
So, I upped my training and in September last year, I took on the Serpentine Challenge again, this time, completing it in just 42 minutes.
After that, I got the buzz and I knew I wanted to take on more challenges.
So, I got myself a trainer to work on my breaststroke.
Only, he gave me some hardhitting advice.
‘A mile isn’t pushing yourself,’ he told me. ‘You do that easily in the pool.’
I knew he was right, but before, I lacked the confidence to go further.
But now, I decided I had to. And so, subject to plan, in September, I’ll be taking on a 5.25-mile open water swim in the Lake District.
So far, I’m training three times a week and working with my trainer to perfect my stroke.
My plan is to keep training and taking on challenges, until eventually I can qualify for the Channel.
Since taking on these challenges and having a trainer, it’s completely changed my teaching technique, too. Of course, teaching under four’s the breaststroke isn’t exactly what I do, but it’s helped me understand what is needed to get there.
There are many adults who can’t swim, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Start with baby steps and work your way up.
I did, and look at me now!
I was on pain killers for months
For information, visit: www.waterbabies.co.uk