Jumping into the deep end

Taking swimming lessons as an adult may seem daunting to some, but Councillor Jake McLellan and his mates are diving straight in.

“I wanted to start swimming because it’s a great, low-impact and fun form of exercise, and I hadn’t spent much time in a pool for quite a while,” Jake says.

“So, I roped in a couple of friends to make the experience more enjoyable. While they insisted they didn’t need lessons, as both had done plenty of swimming in high school, it’s amazing how much technique can decline over time.

“We’ve all really benefited from a ‘top-up’ in skills.”

The Council offers adult lessons as part of the Swimsmart programme at Graham Condon, Jellie Park, Matatiki Hornby Centre, Pioneer, Taiora QEII and Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool.

The programme sees approximately 170 adults attending beginner classes each week across the city.

“We’re only three lessons in, but it’s going really well,” Jake says.

“The instructors have been incredibly patient with me but also genuinely passionate about helping improve anyone’s skills and overall fitness. As a city, we’re so lucky to have such a good range of Recreation and Sport Centre’s.

“I’m confident that with about two more 25-minute lessons, we’ll be ready to compete internationally!”

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox says there are many reasons adults to learn to swim.

“The lessons cater for anyone ages 14+, but they have become more popular over the last few years with the majority of attendees between 25 and 50 years old,” Mr Cox says.

“We teach adults who have never learnt to swim as a child, some who have had a traumatic experience in the water previously, and we also have adults whose children or grandchildren are learning, and they want to swim with them.

“It’s really important to raise awareness about water safety leading into the summer months – it’s never too late to learn a new skill or give yourself a refresh.”

Adult swimming lessons are free for Council pool and gym members and $14 per lesson otherwise.

View the adult swimming lessons timetable on the Rec and Sport website.