Learning to Swim can be achieved whatever your age. Lillian, our International Graphic Designer, has chosen to take on this challenge. After getting engaged last year she thought it was about time she learned to swim. We are going to be there every step of the way as she goes from Beginner to Honeymoon Swimmer…

‘Do you swim?’ was the most awkward interview question I had ever been asked. Sure I had classes as a child at school, where my most vivid memory is clinging to the wooden pole held by the swimming instructor as she was walked alongside the pool. But I truly lost my confidence after being thrown into the deep end.
Since then I have dabbled with being in water (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, jumping waves in the sea) but have avoided all swimming related activities throughout my adult life. I would often ‘not feel well’ or volunteered to look after the bags in order to cover my embarrassment. Many years later, joining a swimming company, shamefully I had to admit that I could not swim.

"If I was going to spend the rest of my life with the one person that really matters I needed to face my fears and learn to swim."

But why have I chosen to learn now? Last year I was asked the most important question of my life ‘Will you marry me?’ My wonderful boyfriend of almost 4 years popped the question at the most beautiful venue in Devon. It was the best feeling in the world, but sitting on the side of the pool at the hotel it dawned on me. The honeymoon….. Where would we go? What would we do? I knew there would be a beach involved – filling me with dread. Rowan has always been such a strong swimmer, often saving me from a number of potential drowning incidents. How would we both enjoy a nice pool dip or swimming with creatures in the sea if one of us could not even swim a length unaided!? I didn't want to put that pressure on Rowan and expect him to look after me the whole time!
That was it, after deciding on Mexico for our honeymoon, I realised if I was going to spend the rest of my life with the one person that really matters I needed to face my fears and learn to swim.

"I decided to bite the bullet and start right from the beginning at the non-swimmers class."

The first step was signing up… this was one of the most nerve racking parts! I spent ages looking at the local leisure centre’s guide – was I a non-swimmer or a beginner? Would I know people in the class and how good would they be in comparison? All these questions ran through my mind, but I decided to bite the bullet and start right from the beginning at the non-swimmers class.

I did it I signed up! Now my thoughts are turning to next week… My first lesson!