The smell of the water, the sounds of laughter, the sight of dads belly-flopping and children splashing – a day out at the swimming pool evokes strong memories of family time and fun.
The trouble is that's not what my memories of childhood swimming are. I dreaded the pain of having to go to the swimming pool and trying not to drown again. I couldn't stand splashing or larking around, and the idea of a party at the pool was a thing horrors are made of.
I did eventually learn to swim, well actually I learned to float but from that came swimming. Now I love swimming, it's my exercise of choice, although I still don't like splashing or too much craziness. It's the way I can swim without pressure on my joints that I love, it's perfect all body workout.
I was determined to help Rachel enjoy swimming from a young age and we did baby swimming with her happily going under water. She went through her 2s and 3s not very impressed with water but by 4 she loved it again and she's great in the water now.
And so now I experience real joy of swimming; as a family we go and lark around and relax in the water and it's a fabulous wind down from all the craziness of life. I can't see myself ever going on a water slide, but wave machines and gentle flukes are all good. It's the thing great family memories are made of.
If you want the opportunity to have a free swim then take advantage of the British Gas Free Swims for Britain programme, by visiting www.britishgasswimming.co.uk
3 comments:
It's a shame your memories weren't altogether happy ones.
http://www.21stcenturymummy.com/2012/05/02/the-water-babies/
It's a shame your memories weren't altogether happy ones.
http://www.21stcenturymummy.com/2012/05/02/the-water-babies/
Your experience sounds a lot like my husband's! I grew up with nice weather, so swimming was always fun (not cold). Thanks for entering.
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