“I’m free from the chains of the wheelchair in the pool – it’s an amazing feeling,” says Lorraine Duff, 60, who is calling on leisure centres across the country to install accessible facilities after experiencing their life-changing impact at her local centre.
South Oxhey Leisure Centre’s state-of-the-art Poolpod and Changing Places facilities have transformed life for disabled swimmers like Lorraine, who lost her leg at age 25 and hadn’t been able to swim regularly since.
The centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, has been recognised for its commitment to accessibility after it recently earned the prestigious Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Mark Accreditation, a programme that supports the fitness/leisure industry to be more accessible to disabled people.
“Without the Poolpod I would no longer be able to access the pool. The older methods such as the hand-wrenched hoist chair wouldn’t be comfortable and lack dignity,” says Lorraine, who despite living with multiple complex conditions including lymphedema in all limbs, Sarcoidosis, Neurosarcoidosis and chronic pain, maintains an inspiring outlook. “The key is to remain positive,” she says.
Her newfound confidence is evident: “I do a royal wave to my friends and the lifeguard when exiting the pool as I do feel confident and safe. Being able to access the water without a major ordeal has really helped build my confidence.”
The centre’s Changing Places facility has proved equally transformative. “Having the large changing room and shower means I can actually shower after my swim,” Lorraine explains. “Having accessible large facilities makes it easier and more pleasurable to come, knowing you can get showered without showering wetting your dry clothes may sound funny but honestly it is so helpful.”
From being unable to swim for decades, Lorraine now visits three times weekly. “I have lost weight and feel mentally well and less stressed. The water helps with pain and strengthens my muscles!”
Billy Johnston, General Manager at South Oxhey Leisure Centre, said: “Our accessible facilities are transforming lives and breaking down barriers to exercise. Seeing members like Lorraine thrive and regain their independence in the water makes us incredibly proud. Her story perfectly demonstrates why creating an inclusive environment is at the heart of everything we do.”
Cllr Chris Lloyd, the council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “It is great that Three Rivers Partnership with Everyone Active has made the South Oxhey Leisure Centre’s swimming pool accessible for Lorraine. I look forward to other people being able to use the facilities. Swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy – and it should be an activity that anyone can access.”
This September, South Oxhey Leisure Centre was further recognised with a ‘very good’ rating in its Quest Plus Assessment – a rigorous industry standard for leisure facilities.
Staff attitude has proved crucial to Lorraine’s experience: “The staff are amazing, they are part of the reason that keep me coming back, it’s never too much, always encouraging and fantastic teamwork. Every staff member I encounter has been a legend.”
Looking ahead, Lorraine plans to increase her swimming to four times weekly next year. She is now urging other leisure centres across the country to install accessible facilities like those at South Oxhey. “Please do – it’s life changing for those who cannot access the water without – I couldn’t swim today and have the freedom of the water without it! Independence and dignity rank high on my list of life skills so being able to access the centre is empowering.”
The Poolpod is a submersible platform which, unlike traditional hoists, enables users to enter the water independently using a simple wristband system, eliminating the need for staff assistance and preserving dignity.
Meanwhile, the Changing Places facility is a large space with a ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet and height-adjustable changing bench and sink.