Swimming: Aquabears coaches retire after 40 years

Dave and Betty Crouch (centre back, red and white t-shirts) have retired from Aquabears

Long-standing swimming coaches Dave and Betty Crouch have retired from Aquabears, after 40 years of service with the Rochdale-based swimming club. 

They started at the club when Aquabears formed in 1979, bringing through many national, international and Olympic swimmers.

A former coach for the Great British swimming team, Dave has been described as ‘one of the best coaches’ by his former student, Olympian Kerri-Anne Payne, of Heywood, whom he trained for four years.

The club held a short presentation on Friday (26 July) where Dave and Betty were presented with gifts as a thank you and farewell for all their hard work. 

The couple will be greatly missed by past and present swimmers and are wished well in their retirement.