At Infinity we firmly believe there should never be a limitation that stops someone getting on the water.
From January to July, working with Tees Active, we have been running a pilot scheme to support rowers with their confidence in the water. This has enabled 16 of our members to build confidence by attending swimming lessons once a week, focusing on being safe, confident in the water and learning lifelong skills. Watching the progress made by this group — particularly the impact it has had on their overall confidence at the club — is incredible.
Here is what some of our members had to say:
"Infinity Boat Club has been so supportive through my time here. They organised swimming lessons which helped reduce my fear of water and be courageous to row fearlessly, making me feel more safe. It has helped me be calmer and surer of myself every time I get in a boat. Apart from this they also have been articulate in their teaching to make us better rowers and keep on aiming high, which has made this more than just a club that I go to but a hobby that I will love to continue to keep being part of, all thanks to the amazing team at Infinity Boat Club." — Dominion
"I really enjoy being part of Infinity Boat Club, the coaches here are really nice and encouraging, helping us do our best. One of the best things that this boat club has organised for us is swimming sessions. I think this was really good in helping us build our confidence as some of us were really scared of falling in the water since we can't swim and struggled to reach our real potential on the water. After the swimming sessions we really started getting more comfortable with the water and our confidence really increased. Overall, this boat club is an amazing boat club with so many opportunities for people who want to do rowing." — Abgiya
"One of the best things the boat club has structured for us is swimming sessions. I found this effective since it helped with our confidence as a few of us were usually scared of falling in the river since we were not able to swim and struggled to reach our full potential because we were cautious not to make mistakes and fall in. After the swimming lessons we got more comfortable with the river, letting us move with full potential in our boats. Overall the boat club is a fantastic place to be, we would like to see more people join, for there are more opportunities laid out for you, thank you." — Martine
The pilot scheme has been so successful, with participants now confident enough to be training and racing in singles, having completed the full capsize drill and buddy rescue. We are thrilled that, having run the pilot scheme, we have now secured a grant from Love Rowing, allowing us to continue to provide confidence-building swimming support.
