SWIMMING teacher Joy Grounds, who brought up ten children in Wareham, has died at the age of 92.

Joy taught a friend to swim at the age of 14 and, excited by the achievement, taught generations of youngsters in the town to feel safe in the water for more than 50 years.

She worked with great passion, never once cancelling a class or forgetting the name of a pupil, all free of charge.

Joy, whose husband Joe was also a swimming teacher, wanted her students to be happy and confident, and with patience and encouragement, she helped them overcome every obstacle.

As the years passed, she taught the children and grandchildren of her original pupils, and she trained swimming teachers as well.

In 1993, Joy was honoured to be appointed president of the Swimming Teachers Association, an international post, and developed a new set of award badges.

In recognition of her work, she was invited to a Queen’s Garden Party, which meant a great deal to her.

Joy leaves nine children, 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Poole BH12 0QW on Tuesday, April 18, at 10.30am with the wake at 1pm at The Springfield Country Hotel, Wareham BH20 5AL.