Swimming … it’s never too late to learn

You’re never too old to learn to swim.

East Gippsland Shire Council’s Lakes Entrance Aquadome Centre Coordinator Kelly Smart says taking up the challenge to learn to swim as an adult sets up fantastic role modelling for children, is great exercise and can be life-saving.

“Swimming can be a fun way to exercise, provides confidence and means you can participate in family water-based activities,” Kelly said.

“Being able to safely supervise children in the water is a great feeling of accomplishment, most adults can learn to stay afloat and move in water after 20 hours of lessons.

“It’s also important for adults, especially parents and carers, to learn to swim. If an emergency happens they can avoid drowning and can assist their own children or others.”

Royal Life Saving estimates as many as five per cent of Australian adults are unable to swim.

Lakes Entrance Aquadome swim instructor Jenny Whelan knows first-hand the benefits of learning to swim.

“I had always played in the water but didn’t learn how to swim as a child. One day my friend and I joined the gym. While on the treadmill I was looking at the pool and really wanted to be out there instead of the treadmill so I inquired about how to learn and booked into the adult swim program,” Jenny said.    

“I will never forget the first time I was able to swim 25 metres, I was so proud and happy with myself.

“As adults, we tend to put too much pressure on ourselves and overthink the process of swimming. You just need to relax and enjoy each step of learning a new skill.

“At the Aquadome and Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre our indoor pool water is warm during winter, making it is the best time to learn to swim before summer.”

Adult swim lessons are available at: