Water Meadows Swimming Teacher Celebrating 30 Years!

Swimming teacher at Water Meadows Leisure Complex, Diane Massey is celebrating over 30 years serving the swimmers of Mansfield.

Diane started as a Swimming Teacher in 1987, and began working at Water Meadows the year it opened in 1991. In her career, she’s taught 1,000s of local people to swim, including decorated Paralympian Ollie Hynd, MBE and the lady who’s now her boss at the centre, Hayley Kirk.

Diane says “over the years, I’ve taught kids who at first were terrified of simply getting in the pool, but with patience and support, these learners find a way. There may be a few tears along that journey, but seeing these children develop confidence and start enjoying the water is a wonderful thing, and something I’ve been so lucky to be part of in my career. Having a parent come up to you to tell you the family had a lovely holiday because their child was now water confident – that’s a feeling that stays in your heart forever.”

"I’m so lucky to have done this job for over 30 years. It’s a role that gives you so much job satisfaction, as you help people of all ages to learn to swim and become confident around water."

Hayley is the aquatic lead for More Leisure Community Trust, which manages Water Meadows and three other facilities in the town, including the brand-new Warsop Health Hub, which opened in June this year.

“To think that I’m now the manager of the wonderful lady who taught me to swim so many years ago!"

“Diane is an inspirational teacher, whose kindness, compassion and teaching expertise have touched the lives of literally thousands of local people. It’s an honour for me to work alongside someone like Diane, who has given this town so much. She taught former top swimmer, Ollie Hynd, and now they teach alongside each other every Thursday evening at Water Meadows. We’re so lucky to have them both on our team!”