Ronni started with Your Leisure Swim School in October 2022 and has joined the Thanet Swim Club Development Squad.
Mandy Maclean, Programme Manager at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, said; "I remember Ronni’s first lessons at our Blue Wave Pool. She was nervous and clung on to her swim teacher. Ronni slowly progressed and gained confidence in the water, and once she made the leap of faith of letting go and pushing off on her own for the first time, there was no turning back.
"Next came the breathing. Ronni was great at swimming until she had to breathe, this is the case for many of our young swimmers. The breathing technique is taught from day one with blowing bubbles under the water, and gradually learning to lift the head and breath to the side. Once Ronni discovered that if she blew out first then turned her head to breathe she could carry on kicking and swimming, and soon swam the whole length of the pool and moved into Stage 3.
"Transition from Stages 3 to 4 can be nerve-racking for young children, the main pool seems so big by comparison, but if you can swim in shallow water you can swim in deep water the same rules apply, just keep kicking and breathing and you will get to the end. Ronni moved through Stages 4, and 5 rapidly and recently competed at the Thanet School’s Gala held at Hartsdown, during which she was spotted by a Thanet Swim Club coach and asked to trial for the club. Ronni went to the trial and was asked to join the development squad. Ronni is continuing her lessons with Your Swim School and training at club. I am sure we will see Ronni competing at Galas very soon. Well done, Ronni, we are all very proud of you!"
Your swim school has lots of inspiring stories like this one, and our lessons help not only develop the skills to swim but also open up wider opportunities within the sport. If you are looking for swimming lessons for children aged 4 years and up, we have space available now. Click here to learn more and view availability.