A Pembrokeshire pensioner has celebrated his 80th birthday with a splash!
For Bernard Heaven marked his milestone anniversary by swimming 80 lengths of his local swimming pool!
The grandfather from Cilgerran, who was recently 80, regularly swims at Crymych Leisure Centre and is one of a growing band of older people who keep fit by taking to the water.
“I’ve always swam, it’s something you have to do to keep fit,” he said.
“At my tender age you have to keep going. Sometimes I go to the pool not wanting to get in…but I always get out feeling better.
“I enjoy it… I certainly enjoy it more than gardening. But I enjoy everything more than gardening!”
Bernard began swimming as a boy in Penarth and continued dipping his toes in the water throughout his working life.
His career in manufacturing took him from Kent to Pembrokeshire via a three year sojourn in California.
“That was wonderful. We had our own pool and I used to get up at 6.30 to swim before I started work in the mornings,” he said.
Moving to Pembrokeshire with his late wife in 2002 he resumed swimming at Crymych to keep fit.
Now he swims regularly three times a week- doing 64 lengths (a mile) of crawl each time in about 40 to 45 minutes.
For his birthday he added on an extra 16 lengths to make it up to 80 and only stopped once – to adjust his new birthday goggles!
“I enjoy swimming at Crymych, there’s a very friendly atmosphere at the centre and in the community as a whole,” he said.
“And I’m not the only older person in the pool, there’s quite a few of us doing our lengths – although not everyone does crawl. But that’s the beauty of swimming you can be as fast or slow as you like and you can still get something out of it.”
Chris Payne, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Leisure Services Manager said Bernard was an excellent example how physical activity can help keep people fit and healthy throughout life.
“Physical activity is proven to be the most effective way of improving and maintaining good health, vitality and maintaining a positive outlook on life, whatever your age” he said.
He added that anyone interested in taking up swimming should contact their local leisure centre. Over 60s are eligible for free swimming.
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