The club is operated entirely by volunteers – dedicated teachers, coaches, officials and administrators, who all help keep its friendly lessons and programmes afloat, while supporting members both in and out of the pool.
Its longest-serving volunteer, 81-year-old Jo Norman, thinks she has taught ‘quite a few’ islanders to swim in her 50 years at the club.
‘Many years ago, my sister and I came over from Sark and tied up with some girls that were part of the swimming club,’ she
said.
‘So we swam for the GSC when we were about 10. I think it’s important, living on an island, you need to know how to swim. It was definitely something that we were always encouraged to do as children growing up in Sark.
‘When I had my two children, I signed them up to lessons at GSC and it needed volunteers, so I signed myself up too and here I am, still going. I’m still very much involved as a director. I oversee the small pool now, but I’ve done everything in the club, from teaching and coaching to judging.
‘It’s been a lovely ride. I’ve got four grandchildren, and they’ve all learnt to swim too. One of my grandsons is still part of the swim club, now on the poolside officiating and everything. The children I see now at the club – I taught their parents. It’s gone in a circle, like a little family. I’m 81 now, so can’t do as much as I used to. But I still volunteer twice a week, and I still enjoy it. One thing with volunteering – you go because you enjoy it, not because you’re getting paid.’
The club is based at Beau Sejour, but regularly brings its members to off-island events to give local swimmers opportunities to compete at a higher level and gain valuable experience. It also dips into local sea swimming, drifting around the bays to participate in charity fundraisers.
‘Because we’re all volunteers, it’s a wonderful family club and we enjoy what we do,’ said Mrs Norman.
‘The teachers, directors and committee are all very helpful.
‘Everybody helps one another, so for me, it’s been the best.’
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