Twenty women took the plunge at Cromwell Pool last week for the inaugural Women’s Wednesdays swim session.

The programme is made up of three sessions to boost those new to swimming; it aims to provide a safe place to explore the water and get familiar with the pool facility and surroundings.

The women were a mixture of volunteers; some of them seasoned swimmers keen to share their knowledge, and women from various continents across the globe including Africa, the Pacific and Asia, with little or no experience in the water.

Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities officer Heather Harries said the vibe was relaxed and friendly, with new friendships forged and a mixture of structure and free time in the water. 

“One of the lifeguards said it was uplifting to be there for and she hoped to be back again.

“Another participant who lives close to the pool but had never been inside was really excited to go inside and feel welcome,” Heather said.

Elizabeth Lal (pictured) who has been an advocate for this initiative from the start said water is the best therapy.

“[It is] powerful enough to drown you, soft enough to cleanse you, deep enough to save you”, so much so that everyone should “be confident enough to swim in order to save oneself – swimming saves lives”.

Comfort and privacy are key to help make everyone feel welcome and the pool is closed during the session, with female lifeguards on duty. 

Two more sessions are scheduled for today (February 26) and March 5, from 7.30 - 8.30pm and it is $7 to take part. 

The programme has been supported by Sport Otago, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) Welcoming Communities and Central Otago Swim Centres. 

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