New Milton swimming teacher Claire Treliving urges people to become trainers after Swim England reveal shortage
A NEW Milton swimming teacher who nearly drowned as a child is pleading for more instructors to come forward to fill a growing shortage.
A new study has revealed that nearly 700,000 youngsters a year are missing out on lessons due to a lack of teachers.
Claire Treliving is now urging more people to follow her example and take the training.
Research by Swim England, the national governing board for the sport, shows an estimated 667,000 children across the UK will miss out on lessons due to an instructor shortage.
Claire wants people to consider teaching swimming as a full-time career, or even part time.
She developed a fear of water as a result of her near-drowning but managed to conquer it for the sake of her children.
She said: “I was determined they would be able to swim and enjoy the water. I decided, having worked in childcare all my adult life, I would retrain and become a swimming teacher.
“I had a difficult experience where I nearly drowned playing with my brother who was a much more able swimmer than me, which helps you realise how important it is to be confident and competent.
“With my own previous fear of water, I now really enjoy gaining the trust of those who might be nervous, to enable them to learn to enjoy water and giving them the same opportunity I had.”
Claire had her own children in lessons when they were just nine weeks old and says it is “so vital that people learn to swim”.
She said: “Helping those who are really scared, or feel unable to do something, leaves a big impression on me.
“When you see the look on their face when they realise they can do it, it is so rewarding. I’d urge anyone to give it a go – visit your local leisure centre, because it’s so important that there are those who want to help, give back and make a difference.
“It’s amazing as a teacher too, you get a lot back that makes your job so enjoyable.”
For more information visit: www.swimming.org/swimengland/
