Swim teacher's 40 years of 'unwavering commitment'

A swimming teacher of more than four decades says she has "so many lovely memories to look back on".

Diane Pape, 75, from Taunton in Somerset, has been teaching generations of families to swim for 42 years at Blackbrook Leisure Centre & Spa and Taunton Pool.

Pape's journey started when she taught her own children to swim aged four and one. She said she really enjoyed it, decided to do it as a job and went on to see her former pupils bring their own children and grandchildren to her lessons.

She has since been crowned Swim Teacher of the Year by Everyone Active for her "unwavering commitment" to local families.

Pape said the oldest adult she taught was 89 years old.

"She set a target to swim before she was 90 and she did," she said.

"The best thing though is watching the progression of all students.

"With adults you have to gain their confidence, but with patience and encouragement they all progress."

Lucy Gray, general manager at Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa and Taunton Pool said Pape taught her to swim when she was three years old.

"This led to my enthusiasm for competitive swimming and an all-round career in aquatics, including tutoring for Swim England," she said.

Pape has also taught Gray's children to swim.

Everyone Active swim manager Jordan Farmer says Pape does not just teach swimming, but also "helps people believe in themselves".

"Diane creates memories, builds trust and brings joy to families year after year. It's impossible to count how many lives she's touched," he said.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to Diane for four decades of dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to our swimmers and their families.

"Your impact reaches far beyond the pool, and this award is so richly deserved."

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