When Sheena first came to the centre in February 2025, she admits she was “petrified” of the water.
At 79, she had spent most of her life avoiding swimming and not getting to enjoy the pool when on holidays. “I never learned… We never had a swimming pool when I was at school or anything,” she explains. A frightening experience as a teenager, when she was thrown into deep water and sank to the bottom, stayed with her for years. “That frightened me, because I went to the bottom, and I didn’t think I were going to come back up.”
Like many adults, Sheena had always wished she could swim but never felt confident enough to try. It was her daughter and sister who encouraged her to give it a go. Since our Mablethorpe venue opened they have loved attending, “I kept saying to my mum, ‘Why don’t you come along? You haven’t got to swim. You’re just in the water. Do what you need to do.’” Slowly, and with plenty of reassurance, Sheena decided to get involved and started attending the Slow & Steady Social Swim.
Sheena also decided to join our adult swimming lessons with Elaine, which became a turning point. At first, it wasn’t easy. She relied heavily on arm bands and floats and felt anxious around other swimmers. “If I’m in a pool with a lot of people, I’m frightened of getting in their way, because I can’t do it very good.” Being part of a small, supportive group made a big difference. “There was only about three or four of us… and there aren’t many in the pool.” That calmer environment helped her feel more at ease and willing to keep trying. “She got me going more… and got rid of me arm bands.” With gentle guidance, Sheena began learning how to move her legs and arms properly and build confidence without relying on floats. “She kept watching me… and then she said to me, ‘Right, you’re taking them off now.’” It was a big step, but one she was ready for.
Progress came slowly, and Sheena is honest about the challenges. “Admittedly you were getting out of breath,” her daughter recalls, “but we kept saying that the more you keep doing it, the stronger you’ll get.” Sheena agrees. “I sometimes stop when I swim off a bit because I’ve got out of breath. And then I can go back off.” Learning that it was okay to pause and restart helped reduce her anxiety. “I wouldn’t dare do that in the middle of the pool before. I would have panicked.”
Before Christmas, Sheena set herself a personal goal: to swim one full length. With her family supporting and lifeguard Reece walking alongside the pool, encouraging her not to stop, she kept going. “He kept saying, ‘Don’t stop, don’t stop.’” When she reached the end, she realised she had done it. “I didn’t realise I was going to get a certificate. I’d done my 25 metres and I was so proud of myself.”
That moment meant more than just completing a length. It represented years of fear slowly being replaced with confidence. She now feels more comfortable getting in and out of the pool, moving independently and trusting herself in the water.
For Sheena, the lessons were never about becoming a strong swimmer overnight. They were about feeling supported. Being alongside others who felt the same way also helped. “The other ladies were just the same as me. Petrified.” Together, they encouraged each other, celebrated small wins and kept showing up, even on difficult days.
Sheena’s daughter believes the environment played a big part too. “This pool is just ideal… there isn’t a deep end.” For Sheena and many others, knowing you can always touch the bottom provides a lot of safety for people to keep trying. The staff and regular swimmers also helped build her confidence. “They know you and encourage you… They say, ‘You should be proud of yourself.’”
Now, Sheena feels more confident about holidays, about being in water with her family, and about trying things she once avoided. “When we go on holiday, she’s going to be more confident to get in the pool,” her daughter says. Even if she isn’t swimming lengths every time, simply feeling comfortable in the water is a huge achievement.
Her story is a reminder that learning to swim as an adult doesn’t have to be fast, perfect, or fearless. It can be slow, nervous and full of small steps. What matters is having the right support and giving yourself permission to try.
From being “petrified” of water to swimming 25 metres unaided at 79, Sheena’s journey shows that it is never too late to build confidence, learn something new and be proud of how far you’ve come!
Adult Swimming Lessons
Our group swimming lessons are a great way for your to find your confidence in the water. Our experienced swimming teachers are there to guide you and support your to feel confident in the water and achieve your goals, whatever they may be!
Take a look below to find out more and get signed up!
13th February 2026
Louth ‘Dolphins’ Swimming Club 39th Annual Club Championship Presentation Event
