Age is no barrier for Dumfries swim teacher
DETERMINATION and a love for swimming have led a 72-year-old Dumfries woman to become an unexpected but inspiring addition at her local pool.
Glynda Kennedy, who spent her career in business consultancy, qualified as a swimming teacher in 2023 to support her local pool to deliver Learn to Swim lessons.
The Learn to Swim Framework – a partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming – is committed to creating inclusive, supportive and quality environments where individuals can learn to swim regardless of age, ability or skill levels. It aims to develop confident, safer and competent swimmers, as well as offering individuals the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer both in the pool and out.
Glynda’s unexpected journey began at her local gym, DG1 Leisure Complex, where she was encouraged by others to enrol in a course to become a swim teacher.
Glynda now regularly teaches Learn to Swim lessons for children of all ages and levels to help create the next ‘Generation Swim’, supporting intensive sessions to help children progress through the Framework and working with assisted learning classes for those with additional needs.
Glynda said: “My experience as a swim teacher has been transformative, and so rewarding, I never expected to become a teacher at my age.
“Initially, I doubted my ability to become a swimming instructor, I had absolutely no experience in teaching.
“However, the support and encouragement I received from Danielle and the young instructors were invaluable. They saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself.
“Teaching children to learn to swim has opened up a whole new world for me, filled with joy and a sense of community. I’m constantly in awe of the other coaches, as well as the determination of those I teach to learn and find joy during their lessons.
“Plus keeping active at any age has so many benefits, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity despite being semi-retired. Afterall, it’s never too late to learn or to inspire others.”
Learn to Swim classes are taught at seven pools across the Dumfries and Galloway area, collectively reaching over 1,700 children each week. DG1 Leisure Complex delivers classes to over 600 children weekly through its own team of swim teachers of various ages.
DG1 encourages people of all backgrounds to get involved, by providing a supportive environment and a wide range of opportunities for training, developing and employing swim teachers. It also facilitates swim teacher training for all pools across Dumfries and Galloway, regularly reaching out to its members to generate interest.
It is one of 39 leisure trusts and aquatic providers that delivers the Learn to Swim National Framework in more than 165 pools across Scotland. There are currently around 80,000 youngsters taking part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland every week.
Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, commented: “Glynda’s story is a testament to the inclusivity and far-reaching benefits of the Learn to Swim programme.
“Our vision of creating Generation Swim is not just about teaching an essential life skill but also about building confidence and promoting lifelong health benefits.
“We are proud to have Glynda inspiring others to take the plunge and discover the joys of swimming.”
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, added: “Glynda, and all the other swim teachers across Scotland, are a testament to the passion for developing the next generation of safe and competent swimmers.
“And these enthusiastic, dedicated teachers delivering these lessons play such an important role in encouraging and supporting children of all ages and abilities to learn and enjoy swimming in a safe way.
“Becoming a swim teacher is an amazing opportunity for people to make a difference and be part of creating a meaningful legacy for Scotland to help children such an essential life skill and be safe in and around water.”
Learn to Swim ambassadors Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion Duncan Scott and World champion and Paralympian Toni Shaw continue to inspire and encourage youngsters across Scotland to take to the water to learn to swim.
Inspired to #BecomeASwimTeacher – individuals will be put through the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) which is the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers with a range of abilities and is essential for seeking employment as a swimming teacher.
For more information on the teaching courses, visit https://scottishswimming.com/events/events-calendar/qualifications
For more information on Learn to Swim can be found on its website: https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim
