Isaac is so happy to be back making a splash again!

Lockdown has affected us all in different ways.

When it comes to physical activity, some of us have stepped things up - going running for the first time or taking long walks.

Others will have experienced illness, had to care for others or simply found it all too much.

As lockdown eases and our leisure centres and gyms reopen, the Chronicle will explore what getting fit means to some people from our Oldham community.

This week we talk to six-year-old Isaac and his mum, Claire Proudman, about his safe return to his swimming lessons and his love of being back in the pool.

Isaac began his swimming lessons as a baby – when he joined his mum for ‘parent and baby' sessions.

Claire, who is a swimming teacher and the Aquatic Team Leader at Oldham Community Leisure (OCL) said: “Swimming is an essential life skill.

"When I had my own children, it was so important to me that they were confident in the pool and could learn to swim as quickly as possible.

"I’ve worked for OCL since 2005, and have taught thousands of local children to learn to swim, so I knew my children would be in safe hands with the aquatics team at OCL.”

Isaac has been having swimming lessons for a few years now, and is able to swim ten metres independently.

Claire said: “Like so many children, he has missed out on so many swimming lessons, and I was a little anxious that he wouldn’t remember how to swim.

"But I needn’t have been concerned as Isaac picked up where he left off.

"He confidently strode back to his teacher and I’m so pleased his swimming ability had stayed with him during lockdown too.

"All the children in his class were so excited to be back swimming, you could hear the children’s squeals of delight as they jumped back in the water.”

Isaac said: “I love swimming! I really missed my lessons. It’s great to be back.

"I love making a splash and jumping in!”

Claire added: “Isaac was so chuffed with himself after his first lesson back.

"He’s in a group with older children, and he kept up with them.

"It was great to see him back in the pool, he had such fun, burning up lots of energy - he certainly had a good night’s sleep afterwards.”

OCL teaches 3,200 children a week to swim.

The experienced teachers ensure the classes are always fun and entertaining whilst in a safe and controlled environment.

Claire said: “Children learn best through play and engagement.

"Our teachers, who follow our Penguin scheme and the Swim England programme, ensure their lessons help children to learn fundamental movement skills, which get used in everyday life.

"The great thing about children participating in swimming lessons is that it helps them to take part in sport and progresses their general physical development and their overall health and wellbeing too.

“It’s never too late to learn to swim.

"OCL also offers classes for grown-ups as well as children.

"It’s great to know you are providing a skill for life, which will give both the parents and children peace of mind when they are in or close to water.”

OCL has introduced Covid-19 secure procedures at all its pools to keep both its customers and staff safe, including reducing the size of some classes and staggering people’s arrival times to minimise contact in-between each lesson.

It does have a waiting list for swimming lessons, but some spaces are available.

If you are interested in learning to swim at any age, you can find details on the OCL website: https://oclactive.co.uk/ or email: swimlessons@ocll.co.uk

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