Masters swim program a cool way to keep warm

NEW GLASGOW - For three nights a week for close to 30 years Phyllis Williston has been spending fall, winter and spring at the YMCA pool in New Glasgow.
It was here that she had her first formal instruction in swimming and moved her way up through the levels.
She's now 76 and the most veteran swimmer in the Wave Runners masters swim program.
"I've been swimming here ever since the pool opened," she says.
She couldn't imagine doing anything else.
"I've been doing it so long it's automatic," she said.
She has always loved swimming from the time she was a kid, but never had the opportunity to have a coach before she came to the YMCA.
"I was brought up in Inverness," she said. "We didn't really have anybody to teach us, but we swam and I loved the ocean."
She still loves to get to the ocean in the summer, but when September hits she's back at the Y and glad on winter days like Pictou County had this week, to have somewhere warm to go.
There are about 20 members of the masters swim program now, says coach Rob MacPherson. The only real requirement is that members be 18 years old or above.
"Our club does have a member in all age groups from the 20s all the way up to the 80s," MacPherson said.
The program is founded on having fun, making friends and fitness, he says.
But the program is also part of the provincial masters program and members do have the chance to compete if they'd like to.
Some people have also found it helps them prepare for other competitions.
Judy Livingstone is in her second year with the program.
"I wanted to do a triathlon and a friend of mine swam masters, so she told me to come here because they have good coaching."
She's stayed ever since.
"I love the people," she said.
Williston and another veteran swimmer like her are inspiring, Livingstone said.
"They swim rings around me at their age, which just amazes me."
Williston has no plans of leaving anytime soon.
She says she'll be there "as long as I can move my arms."