A SWANSEA swimming teacher is on hand to help deaf children learn how to swim.
Tracey Hann, a swimming instructor based at Morriston Leisure Centre, is British Sign Language qualified having completed a special course at Swansea College in Tycoch.
Tracey has been a Swansea Council swimming instructor for more than 20 years having previously worked at the old leisure centre, the former baths at St Helen's and Pentrehafod School. She's also worked in New Jersey in the USA.
Some of her experiences have included working with children suffering from disabilities such as autism.
Tracey, who now lives in Morriston but attended Cwmtawe Comprehensive School in Pontardawe, said: "I always thought learning sign language would be a worthwhile qualification and I was lucky when I started the course at Tycoch because one of my housemates at the time was deaf and that meant I was able to practice outside the course.
"It was difficult to pick up at first because a lot of the phrases seem back to front and sign language involves facial expressions.
"But the course tutor was first class and everyone on the course helped each-other.
"I'm now hoping to combine my sign language skills with my job at Morriston Leisure Centre."
Swansea Council runs community swimming pools at Morriston, Penlan and Penyrheol.
Christine George, Swansea Council's Swimming Co-ordinator, said: "Whether your child has a sensory impairment, a physical impairment or behavioural difficulties, we will find a suitable time and venue that suits you.
"We can teach children on a one-to-one basis or in small groups."
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/
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Active Swansea is Swansea Council's sports and leisure service which offers gym, swimming, fitness classes, and a range of sports through its community leisure centres.
