Dedicated young swimmers are making waves in teaching after gaining their first qualification.
The group of eight are all members of the Barking and Dagenham Aquatics Club, based at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Dagenham, and train most days.
They each passed their ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) Level One Award in Teaching Aquatics after a week-long intensive course.
Robert Davison, 16, from Dagenham, said passing “feels good”, adding: “It was a lot of hard work.”
Lani Collyer, also 16 and from Dagenham, said: “I’m excited to have passed. I wanted to be able to teach kids and help youngsters realise how great swimming actually is.”
With their new qualification, the group can start making a splash as teaching assistants at the club during swimming lessons.
For most it is there first step on the employment ladder.
Geoff Wade, aquatics club manager, said: “I’m very proud of them and it means that it gives the club extra people to help all of our other children in the program and means they can earn money while they keep training.”
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