Dolphins Inclusive Swim Scheme To Expand In Surrey

Published on: 19 Oct, 2019
Updated on: 19 Oct, 2019

A swimming programme for those with physical or mental impairments is set to make a splash with brand new sessions at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford and at Tandridge Leisure Centre, thanks to local not-for-profit organisation Active Surrey and Reigate-based grant-making trust, the Peter Harrison Foundation.

Dolphins swim sessions are designed to be friendly and open to anyone who feels their physical or mental health would benefit from joining one of the assisted groups.

Attendees of an existing Woking class include people regaining fitness following hip replacements, a couple who find regular swim sessions a challenge due to poor eyesight, and a number of participants with various mental health problems.

A Dolphins swim session.

The sessions are designed to be sociable, with swimmers aided by personal care and in-water volunteers, including a physiotherapist. All swim abilities are catered for and attendees can enjoy as much time in the pool as they like.

New attendees are welcome at Dolphins sessions at the following times:

11.45am to 12.45pm on Fridays, from October 18, at Surrey Sports Park.
11.15am to 1.45pm on Tuesdays, from November 4 (Term Time Only) at Woking Leisure Centre.
1.30pm to 3pm on Mondays, from November 4 (Term Time Only), at Tandridge Leisure Centre.

Lawrie Baker from Active Surrey commented: “We’re pleased to play a part in helping to expand the popular Dolphins scheme to Guildford and Tandridge. Whether you’re aiming to regain fitness after an operation or you have a disability which stops you from wanting to attend a public session, these inclusive sessions will give you a chance to experience the freedom of swimming in a supportive environment.”

The Dolphins are always looking for more volunteers to help people in the pool. Anyone who can offer some of their time to support these swims would be welcomed. Experience in care would be helpful but is by no means essential.

Cliff Bush from Dolphins says: “Our sessions are designed to cater for everyone. From the moment people get to the front desk, our volunteers are there to help guide them through the changing rooms and get them into the pool with as much assistance as they need.

“Our volunteers tell us they get a lot out of helping people enjoy swimming – in some cases it’s their first swim in years. You don’t need to commit to help every week and if you have experience of helping to care for people, even better, but it’s not essential.”

If you would like to join one of the Dolphins Swim Scheme sessions, as a participant or volunteer, call Cliff Bush on 07752 054370 or email Cliffbush51@gmail.com.

For more information about Active Surrey, visit www.activesurrey.com.