Older coaches for older swimmers

Griff Harris, 92, takes advantage of the free swim every week

Older people are being encouraged to become swimming coaches after OAP pool-users said they would be more comfortable with "mature" trainers.

Gwynedd Council says the scheme has already attracted 16 coaches aged 50 and over, but it wants more.

Free swimming has been offered to the over-60s in Wales since 2004.

Gwynedd is the only council in Wales to take the plunge with older coaches. It says no previous experience is necessary and training is free.

When I did my lifeguards course, after I learnt to swim properly, I felt really old Leslie Williams, 55

One of the new coaches is Leslie Williams, 55, is a clothes shop manager in her everyday job.

"I've always swam but was 38 before I learnt to swim properly," she said.

Mrs Williams said she understood why older people were happier with staff nearer to their own age at the poolside.

Lifeguard

"When I did my lifeguards course, after I learnt to swim properly, I felt really old," she said.

"No-one else in the class was over 25, so I can completely understand that," she said.

Since free swimming was made available to older people under a Welsh Assembly Government scheme, the number of over-60s using the pool at Pwllheli Leisure Centre each month has climbed from 200 to 400.

Co-ordinator Sion Gwyn wants more people to join Griff Harris

One regular customer who would welcome older staff is Griff Harris, 92, from Pwllheli.

He said: "The staff here are very good, but once when I was by myself in the pool I did think if anything happened to me would the two young people at the poolside be able to get me out," he said.

"This is an excellent idea because swimming helps prevent the ageing process," said R H Wyn Williams, the council's older people's champion.

At 67, Mr Williams takes advantage of free swimming himself.

"I've come here twice a week for about 12 years, it is excellent exercise," he said.

Others feel the scheme should be extended even further so that other groups of people over the age of 16 can benefit from free swims.

"I would like to see young people who leave school and have nothing to do to be able to swim for free, for instance," said Roy Owen, the councillor who looks after lifelong learning.