Tributes have been paid to a well-loved swimming teacher who taught “tens of thousands” of people over a 38-year career.

Julia Betts, from Sittingbourne, had recently been struggling with mobility issues and money was being raised to help buy her a stairlift.

The instructor taught at the town’s original public baths and swimming pool in St Michaels Road.

It was used by generations of local families for almost 100 years before it closed in the late 1980s and the building was later demolished. Since then, she has been a part of Swallows Leisure Centre in Central Avenue.

In May, a GoFundMe page was launched by Alison Ryder and Sara Simpson, both colleagues and friends who had worked with Julia at the centre for many years.

Due to ill health she had been unable to teach for several months.

Alison and Sara aimed to raise money for a wheelchair, stairlift and assistance at home – items that would help with her day-to-day life.

They said she would “sadly unlikely to return” to her job. At the time, Swallows shared the appeal.

“She’s easily taught tens of thousands of people, young and old, to swim and to be more confident and safer around water,” it said.

“With kindness and patience, over a 38-year career, Julia has helped the people of Swale develop this vital life skill.”

However, just two months later, Alison and Sara posted an update on Monday.

They thanked everyone who had “offered words of kindness” and explained that Julia had died on Sunday, July 14.

It said: “Through everyone’s generous help and donations we were able to help Julia to be as comfortable as possible in her final weeks.

“She enjoyed listening to everyone’s kind words and treasured memories and stories.

“We and her whole family will be forever grateful for everyone’s generosity and support through this difficult time.”

As of the time of writing, it has raised £3,130 and had more than 100 donations.

Since the announcement, dozens of tributes have been flooding in.

Her son Nick Betts said: "Julia was a great mum to three boisterous sons and a superb and loving nanny to two grandchildren.

“She was well known in the local community and through her work touched many lives.

“I was lucky enough to work with my mum and saw first-hand how highly she was regarded.

“She loved her holidays both abroad and to Cornwall, where she would spend weeks at a time through the year with her grandchildren and enjoying the finest pasties.

“She was 73 when she died and will be sorely missed by many people – none more so than her family.

“All of us would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Alison and Sara for all the love and support they have given during the difficult times this year."

Swallows Leisure Centre named her as “one of the greats” in a post on Facebook.

“It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of our beloved swim teacher Julia Betts,” it said.

“Julia taught tens of thousands of people across Swale over a 38-year career and will leave her legacy of kindness and patience.

“Our thoughts go out to Julia's family and close friends. She was definitely one of the greats!”

“Julia taught tens of thousands of people across Swale over a 38-year career and will leave her legacy of kindness and patience.”

Swale Community Leisure (SCL) also paid tribute to the swimming instructor on social media.

It said: “Everyone here at Swale Community Leisure is saddened to hear the loss of much loved Julia Betts.

“Julia had a huge contribution to so many across the Borough, teaching so many children an important key life skill.

“We will forever miss her singing whilst teaching duckling lessons. Our thoughts go out to Julia’s family and friends.”

The funeral will be on Friday, August 9 at 3pm at Bobbing Crematorium, followed by a get-together at The Appleyard opposite Swallows.