New swim school comes to town from next month

Parents across Bournemouth will be able to enrol their children for swimming lessons from next month with a new swim school coming to town.

Wessex Swim School is starting lessons in September at Bournemouth Collegiate School with classes of just three swimmers per class.

Lessons start from just three years old and Wessex Swim School will be offering adult classes too.

Its arrival comes after the UK’s worst month for drownings in years with 31 drownings in July alone.

It’s not just children but adults where drowning has become a growing danger.

Alongside the introduction of Wessex Swim School’s vital swimming lessons in Bournemouth, there’s a heightened need for diligent upkeep of pools to guarantee a safe environment for learners of all ages.

Pool Care and Cleaning Services in St. George, Mesquite and surrounding areas play a pivotal role in maintaining hygiene standards and preventing accidents. With their expertise in maintaining water quality, regular inspections, and thorough cleaning routines, they contribute significantly to the overall safety and enjoyment of swimming facilities.

As communities prioritize water safety, the collaboration between swim schools and professional cleaning services becomes integral in fostering a secure aquatic environment for everyone.

Chris Rees, Director of Wessex Swim School, pictured left, said it was important to learn a vital life skill from an early age but also ensure adults are competent and safe if they are supervising youngsters in an aquatic environment.

He added: “We are excited about opening our new pool with lessons in small classes from just three years old.

“This summer has shown how important swimming is and the importance of education around water safety.”

The Swimming Teachers Association has highlighted that drowning is still one of the highest accidental deaths in children.

On average more than 400 accidently drown every year.

Some swimming pools managed to open during the lockdown pandemic but a large number were restricted with numbers and access was made harder to those who needed it the most.

Most schools offer national curriculum lessons during the school term time but this has been widely disrupted over the last 18 months.

It’s meant thousands of children have missed out on education around water.

Bournemouth Collegiate School pool, where lessons will be based, is a four lane pool.

It’s 25m by 10m wide with a shallow end considered perfect for new younger swimmers and adults alike to begin swimming.

To find out more and sign up go to WessexSwimSchool.co.uk

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Home care franchise creates role to support and develop live-in care

Good Oaks Home Care, the UK’s carbon neutral home care franchise, has created a new role to support and develop live-in care provision across its franchise network.

Jacqui Wallendorf, pictured left, joins the support team with experience in franchising, health, and social care, having previously worked in a senior role at Helping Hands.

In her new role of Head of Live-in Care at Good Oaks, she will be working with franchise partners to grow their live-in care provision through mentoring, training, business development support and developing behind-the-scenes infrastructure.

Ben Ashton, Co-Founder of Good Oaks Home Care, pictured right, said: “Jacqui brings expertise and know-how from international franchise brands such as Nando’s and KFC, as well as experience in health and social care during the pandemic.

“Our focus is supporting our franchise partner’s business growth and development.

“We are delighted to welcome someone with Jacqui’s drive, ethos and enthusiasm, which will be invaluable as we continue our growth journey.”

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Wessex Marine help keep hospice buoyant with £1,000 donation

Boat dealership Wessex Marine has donated £1,000 to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

The donation was in recognition of the charity’s senior nurse reaching the final stages of this year’s ‘Dorset Hero Awards’.

Mandy Harris, pictured left, was nominated in the Individual Healthcare Professional category.

David Adams, a Director of Wessex Marine which is based at Poole’s Salterns Marina, said: “Being a nominated finalist is a much deserved, and needed, pat on the back to everyone who keep the wheels turning in such challenging times.

“It’s so easy with Covid dominating all the headlines that the vital role that is carried out at Lewis-Manning can be overlooked.

“So, to mark the nomination Wessex Marine would like to support you again with £1,000 to support your current funding and as a personal thank you for the work you all do.

“The donation has been made in memory of my mother, Charmian Adams, who worked as a volunteer at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care for around six years.

“The charity was extremely close to her heart and I know that she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the charity.”

Clare Gallie, CEO, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, pictured with Guy and David Adams, said: “We are hugely grateful for the incredibly generosity shown by Wessex Marine.

“They are long-time supporters of our charity, having donated £3,000 last year.

“We are ever grateful for their ongoing support and commitment, allowing us to provide care and support to patients and their families facing a life limiting illnesses across Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset.”