LB Otters Swimming club for the Disabled
The Leighton Buzzard Otters was founded in 1993 by Christine Munford. It is a small, friendly club, which welcomes members of any age whatever their disability.
Their main aim is to provide a wide range of swimming and other water based activities. With their core of qualified teachers, young helpers and volunteers, they are able to encourage their members to achieve a variety of skills suited to their individual needs.
The club is affiliated to swim England and is also able to offer access to their national award scheme where suitable. Swimmers have the potential to progress onto competitive swimming by joining Linslade Crusaders swimming club.
The general Saturday mornings include a half hour group lesson, individual help, work towards certificates and free choice swimming time. They also have term-end ‘fun swims’ plus a Christmas and summer ‘fun gala’ which are always popular.
They are fortunate to have the use of the variable base pool which not only provides flexible depths but is much warmer than the main pool. They also have access to the main pool from 09:45-10:45 for their more Able swimmers. Apart from the purpose-built pool, they have an excellent range of mobility equipment. This includes a hoist which can be used in either pool. They also have an extensive range of floatation and swimming aids suitable for all ages and disabilities.
Family fun
The otters is not just a swimming club, they also provide a friendly, social hub where parents, carers and swimmers can both seek advice from other members and/or discuss matters of mutual interest in a relaxed atmosphere.
At Christmas, they have a fun session followed by a party with various entertainment for all the family.
Summertime ends with a fun Gala followed by a BBQ, which is always an enjoyable occasion.
Volunteers
What do you do on a Saturday morning? They always need helpers so why not come and join them? You need to be 14 or over, not necessarily a good swimmer, but confident in the water and enjoy a challenge. It is a popular volunteer choice for Scouts, Guides and Duke of Edinburgh students?
Their volunteer helpers are requested to become club members but weekly attendance is free. On starting, they will provide you with an induction pack outlining the type of assistance required and in some cases their helpers have gone onto to be qualified teachers.
Contacts
President: Christine Munford (01525) 370432
Chair: Dick Johnson (07903) 015793
Instructor: Ross King (07971) 049047
Welfare: Sarah Robbie (07779) 667379
Treasurer: Abdalla Khan (07846) 373926
The Leighton Buzzard Otters meet every Saturday morning through school term time.
For the taller participants (1.2m and above) the main pool sessions start at 09:45 until 10:45. The lesson element commences at 10 am and last 20 to 30 minutes (time depending on how well engage the swimmers are).
Two lanes are available for those for the entire session that do not want or need to partake in the lessons. There is also a deep end available when the lesson takes place for those that just want to play and are capable.
Membership is £5 per year for individuals and £20 for family membership. There is also a weekly £3 swimming fee payable for each summer. (carers are exempt from this weekly charge).
Directions
Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Mentmore Road, Leighton buzzard, LU7 2AF
What 3 words: /// plausible.vandalism.quilt
Telephone: (01525) 375765
It is easily accessible from the Leighton Buzzard bypass (A4146) and Wing Road (A418).