Women-only swimming classes offered to Coventry Muslims

The classes are held in private with female-only instructors

A group of women have trained to become lifeguards and swimming instructors to support Muslim women who cannot swim with men for religious reasons.

They now offer regular sessions at two pools in Coventry, which are screened off to make them private.

Some of those taking part had never tried to learn to swim, saying they were afraid of the water.

One of the coaches, Mina Said, said: "It's very rewarding to give somebody the independence of the water."

With the support of local sports group Go Foleshill and the city council, 11 women have trained to become instructors so far and a further five have become lifeguards.

Ms Said, who trained as both, said her religion was very important to her.

"I have to be secluded from the eyes of men when I'm dressed like this," she said.

She described one session where she helped a woman get in at the deep end and everybody cheered.

"It's satisfying to see that," she said.

'Getting over fear'

Nicola Walker, a swimming development manager for the council's swimming pool operator, CV Life, said it came about because Go Foleshill came forward and explained "there was whole community of people that potentially weren't able to utilise the swimming pool for religious reasons".

Ms Walker said it was all down to those women who trained that these sessions are now possible.

One of those taking part, Sabiyah Khanum from Stivechell, was scared to get into a pool until three weeks ago.

She said: "I can't swim and my husband and daughter can and when we go on holiday they're swimming away like a fish and there's me standing and holding the sides."

Now she is getting over her fear and she said: "I'm really glad that they're doing that, it's excellent."