it's All Going Swimmingly

Many of us are frustrated by our inability to swim well. Sarah Hill did something about it and now helps others.

- Roger Borrell

THERE’S a simple reason why so many of us swim so badly and Sarah Hill’s experience will strike a chord with anyone who still flounders and flaps whenever they get into the water.

Most have one thing in common – they learned at school and Sarah hits the nail on the head when she says: ‘We weren’t taught to swim – we were taught not to drown.’

Being in water was something to be feared. You had to keep your head above it or you’d die. ‘It put people off for life,’ she says. ‘For years I couldn’t swim for toffee. Over time I got better but it was always a struggle, always frustrating. I used to look at other people and wonder “How do they do that?”’

Sarah went to some lessons as an adult but describes it as a difficult and unpleasant experience. ‘I felt I was being asked to learn too many things all at once – legs, arms and breathing. That made it quite stressful. But swimming is a wonderful thing and I’m on a mission to spread the word.’