| Learning to swim
by Grahame Wright As a six year old I had a bad chest. Dr. Sacks said it was bronchitis and gave me foul tasting medicine called "The Linctus". He insisted I should be given an exercise routine which consisted of stretching my upper body so the lungs could be expanded. This torturous twenty minute session was supervised every morning by my parents. The next step agreed upon by parents and Doctor was to learn to swim and the location really took my breath away. I still remember those bracing Autumn mornings at Seaham Harbour Amatuer Swimming Club better known locally as the slope. Mrs Turner and Mrs Lazenby trying to encourage me that the water was warmer than sitting on the ladder waiting for the next breaker to wash me in. Those two elderly ladies had been members since they were young girls, real hardy characters who had taught many a generation of youngsters. Quickly gaining confidence I soon became used to that seven o clock morning dip before school. Lots of people have told me that learning
to swim in the sea is easier than a swimming pool. I'm not so sure.
|
