Popular swim teacher retires after 50 years poolside

10 May 2024

A Daventry swim teacher has retired recently after teaching generations upon generations of children in a career stretching back 50 years.

Rose Sutherland is a hugely respected figure at Daventry Leisure Centre, which is run by Everyone Active in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council.

The 83-year-old has 49 years of swim teaching with Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club under her belt, totalling an estimated 36,000 lessons.

Rose was first associated with the club in 1974 when her daughter Angela and son Mark became members. She started off as a raffle ticket seller but quickly became a poolside helper and then a teacher in 1975.

Rose has taught a variety of lessons, from swim scheme and school swimming to club and synchronised swimming.

A former president of Daventry Dolphins as well as a county-qualified judge and starter, Rose has been known to teach three generations of the same families.

She has volunteered with many schools and taught numerous children on a one-to-one basis who needed extra encouragement.

Rose’s commitment to the job is truly remarkable.

Her knowledge and understanding of swimming strokes are incredible, thanks to her continuous professional development and experience gained poolside.

She has continued to pass this knowledge down to newly-qualified teachers, ensuring future generations benefit.

Rose has been a fantastic ambassador for swimming locally and we wish her all the best in her retirement.Jamie Brightwell, Everyone Active’s contract manager