I am fond of going on beach trips whenever
I visit different countries. Seeing the vast water relaxes me but at times, I
still find myself worried because I don’t know how to swim. My nephews and
nieces are good swimmers. They were enrolled in swimming lessons at such a
young age and I envy how comfortable they are even in open water.
For the longest time, I’ve been trying to
decide if I should enroll myself to one of those Hougang swimming lessons since it’s near my place. I’m just having
second thoughts since I’m already 23 years old. I don’t know if I can still
grasp the lessons.
I remember that trip my former office mates and I had in one of the provinces in the Philippines. On our way back after
island hopping, we were welcomed with giant waves. The boatman instructed all
of us to wear life jackets. I was so afraid that time and I’m sure I am the
only one in the group who doesn’t know how to swim.
The crashing waves really hit the small
boat we were riding and it seems that it will never stop. We were so far from
the resort we booked and there is no island at sight. It was so scary. I kept
on praying because I thought the boat will turn over. I was really terrified. After
that experience, I've decided to enroll myself.
Learning how to swim is learning a life
skill. My lessons with Coach Lam took place in the Hougang Swimming Complex. The
complex houses the different Hougang swimming pools. Most of our lessons took place in the teaching pool. Since
I have zero knowledge about swimming, I thought that I would have a hard time
understanding the basics. Coach Lam was my instructor and I’ve heard great
things about him.
During my first week, he focused on
teaching me the basics. I was so happy that I can now float and with lots of
practice, I can now control my breathing under water. He is an excellent coach
and he was very patient with me.
When he was teaching me how to do the
drills, he really makes sure that I understand and often asks if I’m okay or if
I’m tired. He patiently repeats the drills if I don’t get them and makes sure
that I was able to do them in my own time. He often encourages me and gives me
advice whenever I struggle in the pool. He explains the techniques really well
and guides me in performing them.
My experience with Coach Lam is very
rewarding. I can now float comfortably and swim across the pool confidently. My
fear of drowning has now lessened. With all the new strokes and basic
techniques that I’ve learned, I am now looking forward to more beach trips.
This time I will not only frolic around and take photos, I can now swim and
enjoy the water. I was really happy with my decision and with what I’ve
achieved in such short time.
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