Swimming is one of the skills people can learn to protect themselves in the water, especially with pools and swimming groups often being a hub in the community.

Eastern Daily Press: Instructor Liz Lim, teaching Charlie Spatchett, six, at the JH2O Swim School which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYInstructor Liz Lim, teaching Charlie Spatchett, six, at the JH2O Swim School which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

One swimming school in Hethersett has been teaching people to swim for nearly 20 years and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary later this week.

The JH2O Swim School, will be commemorating the achievement by hosting a number of competitions and events across the coming months.

For founder and Principal of JH2O, Jan Holdham, it began back in 1992, when the then young mum became fascinated by the work done by her children's swimming teacher.

After being asked to help out at the pool she became an assistant. Soon, she found herself on a teaching course.

Eastern Daily Press: Jan Holdham who runs the JH2O Swim School which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary, with a couple of first timers, Ava Cammack, four, and Zoe Runyeard, three, top. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYJan Holdham who runs the JH2O Swim School which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary, with a couple of first timers, Ava Cammack, four, and Zoe Runyeard, three, top. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The swim school has grown in numbers since its creation in 1997, starting out at a small pool in Norwich with just four swimmers.

That figure has risen, growing to now teaching more than 300 swimmers every week with seven staff across three different pool locations; The Natatorium Timeshare Pool, Hethersett Old Hall School and Surlingham Timeshare Pool.

The swim school covers all age groups, from babies through to adults, with Rookie Lifeguard training available.

Mrs Holdham said: 'Our swimmers are very special to us. We like to think that when a new swimmer joins JH2O it is like becoming part of our family.

Eastern Daily Press: The teachers from JH2O Swim School. Picture: Jan HoldhamThe teachers from JH2O Swim School. Picture: Jan Holdham (Image: Hethersett)

Although the swim school has increased in size over the last 20 years, our ethos hasn't changed. We nurture each person's needs, teaching a valuable life skill and helping them to be the best swimmer they can be.'

One of the teachers' favourite forms of swimming is the breaststroke.

She says it is 'complex and challenging' but is satisfying when a student is able to master it.

Several of JH2O's swimmers have been with the swim school for more than 14 years, and are now learning Rookie Lifeguard skills.

Some of these older pupils have progressed to be a part of the JH2O pool assisting team, helping younger swimmers.

For more information on the swimming lessons go to www.jh2oswimschool.co.uk.