Taking the plunge

John Entwistle (right) has learned to swim aged 50 and is pictured with his children Michael (10), Harry (14) and Jodie (16).

JOHN Entwistle is no longer a fish out of water next to his talented trio of children.

That’s because the Chadderton Swimming Club committee member has finally taken the plunge at the age of 50.

Daughter Jodie (16) is junior girls’ captain at the club while sons Harry (14) and Michael (10) both swim with Oldham Seals.

But while John has spent hours poolside, he had never learned to swim . . . until Louise Bishop stepped in to help.

Louise, a diving coach with Oldham Community Leisure, and a member of Chadderton Swimming Club, offered to teach him.

Since then, John’s efforts have earned him a most improved swimmer certificate — and he is now working towards completing a full length of the pool to raise money.

He said: “I love it. I am not frightened of water, I just never got around to taking the plunge.

“When I was young, schools didn’t go to the baths like they do now.

“I have always been confident enough in water, but just never learned to swim.

“I used to do a fair bit of running and one of the problems I’ve found is when I use my legs, rather than being flexible and kicking, it tends to be a running motion!”

John, of Birch Avenue, Chadderton, got involved with the swimming club through his children and is junior league team manager, information officer and poolside helper at galas.

He has been having weekly lessons for a year and is getting plenty of support from Jodie, Harry and Michael.

John maintains that you are never too old to take to the water.

“It’s just a question of being brave. Don’t be put off, you have just got to have the willpower.

“Louise has been brilliant and there are other older members of the club who are coming along now.

“They can swim but she is working with them on their strokes.”