Gwyn Jones: Swim Teacher, Outdoor Swimmer and Fundraiser Extraordinaire
Gwyn Jones is a dedicated Level Water swimming teacher who lives in Bridgend, Wales. She knows how vital it is to all parents that their child can swim:
“Where I live I can be at the coast in 10 minutes. I know that every child has the right to swim and be safe around water”.
Gwyn started teaching swimming 8 years ago and was quickly recruited to specialise in Level Water lessons. It started with a few each week, but since COVID the number of lessons have grown and grown. Now most of the lessons Gwyn teaches are for Level Water, making her an exceptional ambassador for the charity. To meet the demand Gwyn now travels between Bridgend and Cardiff and teaches for 3 different swim schools:
“Being happy in your job is important. I get to see the children succeed and progress. Starting from not being able to swim at all to swimming independently in the water. Each child is different so it can take 6 months or it can take years. Some children are behind their peers out of the water, but with swimming they are all the same level.”
2 years ago Gwyn injured her elbow and wasn’t able to maintain her own swimming, but this year she’s ready to start training again and she’s swimming the Bantham Swoosh in July. “I love swimming outside, and I’m already getting in for a few dips”.
So not only is Gwyn teaching swimming to children with disabilities for Level Water she is also fundraising to help Level Water provide even more lessons for children with disabilities. “We’re having a coffee morning in April at Ynysawdre pool in Bridgend to help with my fundraising target. I just want to get even more lessons for these kids."
Gwyn really understands the difference it makes to the family life of the children that she teaches. Especially if they have siblings, the children are able to join in when they can swim. Once wheelchair users get used to the water and are not frightened of it anymore, they find a new freedom. “I can help them overcome their apprehension”.
Gwyn also specialises in teaching children with all types of SEND, and has helped train swim teachers to support even more children through Level Water. Level Water are currently piloting a scheme to include all children with SEND to include learning disabilities such as autism. Because everyone deserves how to learn to swim and fall in love with the water.
Programmes Officer Andy Walker says "I wish we had a Gwyn in every town". From all of us at Level Water, thank you for all your hard work.
