Features / Swimming
Retired nurse finds ‘respite’ in swimming after husband’s death
In a corner of Runswick Road in Brislington, Lauren Tew’s home is full of joy and memories of her late husband, Dave.
Lauren’s relationship with swimming has been long associated with Jubilee Pool in Knowle, which in her own words, has been her go-to place for “eons”.
And the 70-year-old retired nurse is now using swimming as a “respite” to cope with Dave’s death.
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Lauren Tew at her most radiant in her living room – photo: Karen Johnson
Two years ago, Lauren decided to become a volunteer lifeguard at the pool.
“I love Jubilee Pool so much and I was desperate to help save it,” Lauren told Bristol24/7.
“I thought I could help them by volunteering as a lifeguard.
“Being a competent swimmer, I went and did the lifeguard course which was not easy, but I passed all the tests and became a lifeguard.”
During our conversation, Lauren’s eyes occasionally glanced at the wall opposite her where a picture of Dave hangs.
“Swimming allowed me before Dave died to have some respite from the knowledge that he was going to die.
“We’d been very happily married and the thought of him not being around was just so awful that I needed respite from that.”
Often mid-swimming, Lauren would be haunted by thoughts of living without her husband.
“But I could then, take a deep breath concentrate on my breathing, concentrate on my stroke, have I got a good style, can I swim any faster?
“And fill my mind with being in the water, rather than the anxiety and anticipation of grief.”
Lauren also sometimes swims with her granddaughter at the Jubilee Pool – photo: Lauren Tew
Lauren recalled how her late husband wasn’t a fan of swimming himself, but encourager her to do it.
“It probably gave him some peace, didn’t it?”
Talking about lifeguarding she said: “I was always a confident swimmer and I’d done some speed test in Jubilee Pool to know that I could do the right distance in the right time.
“Lifeguarding isn’t necessarily about being a really fast swimmer. It’s about being a strong swimmer, who can get a casualty to the poolside or whatever within the appropriate time.
“So I had that basic level of competence and then I did the course and passed.”
Being the most “mature person” in the training, Lauren was flooded with support and encouragement from fellow trainees.
“Most of the others were teenagers out of school, and one career lifeguard who was doing her upgrade. They were hilarious and really supportive.
“And when I was doing my final test, they were there in the shallow end going: ‘Lauren Lauren!’ They couldn’t have given me any more support. I love them to bits.”
A 24-hour swimathon at Jubilee Pool is taking place on October 5 and 6 to help raise £100,000 for essential building repairs. For more information and to take part, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jubilee-athon-2024-24-hour-sponsored-swim-for-jubilee-pool-tickets-917218975647
Main photo: Lauren Tew
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