At Magna Vitae, we know the impact leisure centres can have on our communities.
Since the new Mablethorpe venue opened its doors, the opportunity it has brought is clear to see — and for local mum Shannen and her daughter Olivia, like many others we’ve spoken to, it has become a real hub for the community.
One of the most important additions to the new venue has been the swimming pool, finally giving local children the chance to learn to swim right here in Mablethorpe — a vital life skill, especially for those growing up by the coast.
A community pool changing lives
Before the pool opened, children in Mablethorpe had to travel out of town to learn to swim. For many families, that meant long drives and missed lessons — and for some, missing out on learning a vital life skill altogether.
Now, thanks to the WaterWise programme at Station Leisure & Learning Centre, children can learn to swim right here in their own community. And for a coastal town like Mablethorpe, that opportunity couldn’t be more important.
“It’s crazy to think this wasn’t here at one point,” said Shannen. “Olivia was very fearful of the water before, but since joining the lessons here, her confidence has absolutely skyrocketed.”
From fearful to fearless!
When Olivia first started, she was nervous about even getting into the water. But with the encouragement of her teacher, Elaine, and the support of the lifeguards and team, everything changed.
“I paid for a one-to-one session with Elaine to help her get used to being on her back,” explained Shannen. “After that, something just clicked. She moved up stages so quickly — she’s now in Stage 5 and absolutely flying!”
Olivia beams when talking about her lessons. “I feel stronger now,” she said. “My gymnastics helps with my flexibility too — and Elaine says I’m her ‘push and glide queen’ because I always listen and try hard!”
A Summer of swimming together
Over the summer holidays around Shannen’s work, the family made the most of Olivia’s unlimited swimming perk that comes with her WaterWise membership. They were here several times a week — sometimes swimming together, other times with Shannen cheering from the café.
“It became part of our summer routine,” said Shannen. “We’d come after work or first thing in the morning. It was something lovely we could do as a family without having to travel anywhere.”
Olivia’s growing confidence in the pool even inspired her mum to get back in the water. “Seeing how well she was swimming gave me the confidence to try again after all these years,” said Shannen.
A hub for health and family time
While Olivia continues to develop her swimming skills, Shannen makes time around work for herself too. “When Olivia’s swimming, I head into the gym. I hadn’t been in a pool or gym for years. The staff are so friendly and it’s just such a positive atmosphere.”
For Shannen, the gym has become an important space for both physical and mental health. “I always feel so much better after a workout. It’s great for stress relief and my overall wellbeing.”
Fun beyond the pool
When they weren’t swimming, Olivia also loved visiting the MagnaTag arena and the toddler play area with her younger brother. “We went there a few times over the summer and she absolutely loved it,” said Shannen. “It’s such a great way to keep the kids active and entertained — especially when the weather isn’t great!”
“It’s honestly the best thing that’s happened here. You see families, friends, everyone coming together. It’s created such a strong sense of community.”
For Olivia, it’s also been a place to make new friends — both in the pool and beyond. “I’ve met friends from school in my class,” she said proudly, showing off her growing collection of swimming badges.
Building confidence for the future
Olivia now strives for earning her 100-metre badge and maybe even joining a swimming club when she’s ready. Her mum couldn’t be prouder.
“To think how far she’s come — from being scared of the water to diving under with confidence — it’s amazing,” said Shannen. “Learning to swim isn’t just a fun activity; it’s a life-saving skill, especially for children growing up by the sea. Having this facility right here in Mablethorpe has made that possible.”
Station Leisure & Learning Centre continues to make a splash in the community — helping families like Shannen and Olivia’s build healthy habits, confidence and connections that last a lifetime.
💧 To find out more about the WaterWise programme or to sign up for swimming lessons, visit your local centre or click below!
Explore our Leisure Venues
Join us at our four locations in Skegness, Horncastle, Mablethorpe, and Louth.
Enjoy fitness suites, swimming pools, café facilities, a variety of exercise classes, and vibrant community groups.
Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite
Welcome to Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite. Take a look at our venue by clicking the link below.
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Meridian Leisure Centre
Welcome to Meridian Leisure Centre. Take a look at our venue by clicking the link below.
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Station Leisure & Learning Centre
Welcome to Station Leisure & Learning Centre. Take a look at our venue by clicking the link below.
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Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite
Welcome to Skegness Pool & Fitness Suite. Take a look at our venue by clicking the link below.
Learn MoreOur charitable status.
We are proud of who we are and what we do.
As a Charitable Trust, we aim to combat social exclusion and improve health issues, along with so much more!
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our community by offering an extensive range of leisure and cultural activities designed to inspire, entertain, and nurture well-being.
