Swim lessons to cater for all

Three swimming teachers have successfully completed a disabled teaching qualification, allowing Stoke-on-Trent pools to widen the types of swimming lessons they offer.

Debbie Ralph, Dan Ralph and Janet Slack have all completed the ASA Level 2 Disability Qualification following a two-week intensive course at the Splash Academy, Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. The qualification means that they can now teach both children and adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and those recovering from illnesses such as strokes.

Swimming Lesson Co-ordinator Debbie Ralph says, 'Swimming is a great form of exercise for people with disabilities or those rehabilitating because the body is supported by the water. We're eager to ensure that our swimming lesson programme caters for all abilities and ages - last year we added swimming lessons for babies to our programme and people with disabilities is the next step!

'We can now offer one to one lessons for people with any disability however we’re also hoping to run some swimming lesson courses in the future, so we're asking people to get in touch and register their interest. We expect the courses will take place at Shelton Pool, whilst one to one lessons can take place at either Shelton Pool or Fenton Manor Sports Complex. The City’s swim club COSACCS now has a disability squad, so for people who start off with swimming lessons there is something to aspire to if they’re interested in competing.'

People interested in one to one lessons or a swimming lesson course should register their interest at Fenton Manor Sports Complex by calling 01782 233222.