A Hemel based disability swimming club is open again after a year of lockdown and it is inviting people to come and enjoy the facilities.
Dacorum Dolphins is a charity that has been going for over 40 years, providing a space for people with disabilities to have a fun swim with their families with no pressure or judgement.
Karli-Ann Morgan, club leader, spoke to HEMELnews and said: “By 2020, the club had amassed over 100 members, a team of volunteers and a qualified teacher to help swimmers improve their skills. Then lockdown happened.
“But when restrictions eased and people returned to gyms and pools, many communities were left behind. Communities like disability swimmers who can’t fit in with the COVID-19 safety systems of lane swimming. Now, with the backing of Swim England, the club can finally reopen.
“We have two pools to ourselves, the main pool and shallow flexipool for little ones. It’s a great place for people to learn, exercise and have fun with family.”
Volunteer helpers both on the poolside and in the water offer support and join in with games. One-to-one swim lessons are available during the session.
Angela Keen, volunteer swim teacher, added: “Our swimmers have such diverse needs that we fit teaching around them. Some have high anxiety or a short attention span, so they come and ask for help on a skill, work on something for a bit then return to play with their families when they’ve had enough. It’s an incredibly calm environment and swimmers are progressing really well.”
Sessions run from 5-6pm at Everyone Active Hemel Hempstead.
Contact Karli-Ann through the Facebook group @DacorumDolphins or by phone 07823329138 to book a taster session or join the club.
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