Return to Swimming Lessons by Dolly aged 5

Returing to swimming lessons after so long away can be daunting for some children, but not Dolly aged 5 and her mum Gayle.

The day arrived for us to return swimming lessons and not a moment too soon! I picked Dolly up from school and we drove straight to East Manchester Leisure Centre. Once we arrived at the pool we were greeted by a staff member at the front door who told how things were going to be running from arriving right though to leaving following the lesson. Dolly just wanted to get in the pool, but everything is sign posted, so you know where to go even if you have an over eager 5 year old!

We arrived 5 minutes before and were taken though into the changing rooms. The changing rooms were separated from the public. Dolly was swim ready so we waited at the collection point for the teacher to come and collect us and take us on to the poolside. We could stay on the poolside with children, so that we could help them with their armbands. I loved this as it was also very interactive and something I had not experienced before. The chairs were 2m apart and we had to wear masks and use hand sanitiser, which is a small sacrifice to get the kids back in the pool!

Dolly really enjoyed her lesson, and also enjoyed having me there with her. A quick shower and change later and we were leaving (via a different exit) looking forward to next week.

She is so happy to be coming swimming again, all the staff at the centre have made us feel very welcome and safe. You can always find someone cleaning in the changing rooms or centre if you need any help. I would recommend coming back to swimming lessons here to anyone!

We are now on week 3 of the new swimming programme and already even after a 6 month break she is progressing well and of course loving it and having lots of fun.

So what are you waiting for??

Please contact Andrew.bell@gll.org for new or returing children to start their swimming lesson journey.