Many people have retired by the age of 70, but Alan Amor is showing no signs of stopping as he celebrates being a swimming instructor at Alton Sports Centre for 30 years.

Alan’s passion for swimming began after watching his children learn to swim at the original Alton Sports Centre. Inspired by their love of the water, he became interested in teaching, development and competition.

He started as a poolside helper for the Swim Club’s galas and championships in 1987, and after completing his level one swimming teacher training in 1995 he started teaching for the club. He finished his level two training in 1998.

Alan said: “I love it, I get a buzz when I see a child develop and when an adult realises it is not impossible to be able to swim or move through the water.”

Since qualifying Alan has completed more than 30 continual professional development training modules. He sees swimming as an essential life skill for everyone regardless of age.

He said: “Parents want to know their children are safe in the water and have the required safety skills to protect themselves should they ever be in a difficult situation.

“Along with the years of teaching school swimming lessons, Swim Club sessions, sports centre classes and private lessons, I have taught hundreds of people from the local community how to swim.”

Vicky Tarrant said: “Alan has taught all three of my sons to swim at Alton Sports Centre - one a born swimmer, the others not always so keen. Interestingly, two of them have even gone on to become swim teachers, followed by myself.

“We have all benefitted from Alan's extensive knowledge, teaching and mentoring. We all regularly use his lesson ideas and practices and enjoy working alongside him every week.

“He is a lovely man and a wonderful representative of Alton Sports Centre and Everyone Active and swimming for life.”

Mary McAllister, also aged 70, started swimming lessons with Alan around 18 months ago. She said: “I could sort of swim, but was self-taught and thought it's never too late to learn. I now have monthly lessons. Alan is a fantastic teacher, very patient.”

One of the key skills Alan has as a swimming instructor with 30 years of experience is the ability to adapt his teaching style.

He said: “Everyone learns in a different way, whether that be verbal, visual, copy or age-related language. I tailor my lessons dependent on the individual, taking into account people’s personalities and providing demonstrations, easy to follow instructions, rules and boundaries, and lots of feedback, which all helps that person to learn to swim.”

Chris West - contract manager at Everyone Active, which manages Alton Sports Centre in partnership with East Hampshire District Council - said: “We’re delighted to celebrate Alan’s 30-year career with us as a swim teacher. His passion for swimming has led to him teaching hundreds of children and adults to not only swim but gain invaluable water safety skills.”

For details of swimming lessons at Alton Sports Centre visit https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/