THESE three women have overcome their biggest fear and become a true inspiration to adults who are unable to swim.

Hilda French, Pauline Mummery and Pauline Bycroft splash around like professionals in the water now – something last summer they could have only dreamed of.

In October, after meeting at the gym, the three new friends discovered none of them could swim.

So, they decided to take on the challenge and put on their swimming costumes for the first time in years.

Pauline Mummery, 70, said: "I was petrified. The only experience I'd had was when I was small at the old open air pool in Cleethorpes. I stood on the edge and was pushed in.

"I hadn't been swimming since. We all decided to give the lessons a go and although I won't be attempting to swim the English Channel any time soon, I have come a long way. I just decided I'd had enough of the arm bands.

"My aim was to be able to swim before I turned 70 and I've achieved that.

"In the past year, I've been to Spain, France, Madeira and all over and I now get in the swimming pool, whereas before I would never have dreamt of doing that."

Hilda, 65, said she was "very scared" when she first stepped into the shallow end, but now – about eight months on – she has received her 20m certificate. Known as the bravest of the group, she has gone above and beyond what she expected when she first started taking lessons.

She said: "I now jump in the pool and dive down to pick up fake bricks. I really enjoy the lessons and it's a great way to meet new friends."

Pauline, 66, said: "I was the first to learn to swim. we just didn't have lessons when I was younger.

"I now have my 25m certificate and I would really encourage others to come and give it a try.

"We would love more people to join the group."

The women said they understood how many adults would feel embarrassed to admit that they can't swim, but are proving that even over the age of 60, it is achievable.

As well as adults getting their feet wet in the pool for the first time, there are sessions available for babies and toddlers.

Vikki Seven-Oaks, 27, has been attending such a session with her 19-month-old son Jayden Moffett to prepare for a holiday in Mablethorpe.

She said: "It's affordable and we go on holiday soon so I wanted to get Jayden used to the water because we'll be going in the pool a lot.

"At first he was nervous and clinging on to me, but after a while he got used to it.

"I have two other children, so it's nice to be able to do something with just Jayden.

"I would really recommend the class to other parents."

Dive right in

We visited Immingham Swimming Pool for this feature. Parent and toddler sessions there run from 9am to 10am and 10am to 10.30am every Thursday, with the adult sessions held at 3pm on a Friday and 10am on a Saturday. For more information and costs, call 01469 516003.