Sevenoaks Town defender Tolu Jonah has recounted a frightening incident during a recent holiday that led him to take up swimming lessons for the first time at age 30. The event took place at a hotel pool in the South of France, where Jonah found himself unexpectedly struggling in the deep end.

Jonah, who currently serves as stand-in captain while regular goalkeeper Jordan Perrin recovers from a broken foot, described the experience as “heart stopping.” He said he was unaware that the pool had a sudden drop in depth, and when he slipped to the bottom, he had to rely on touching the floor with his feet before pushing himself to the surface. He recalled keeping his eyes closed throughout the ordeal, overwhelmed by fear but determined to make it out alive.

During the incident, someone by the poolside attempted to assist him, but Jonah, panicking, unintentionally pushed the helper away while trying to save himself. The close call motivated him to finally learn how to swim, a skill he never acquired despite early lessons during primary school that ended after a few weeks.

Jonah explained that his reluctance to swim earlier was not due to fear, but an understanding of his limitations. "If I can’t feel my feet, we are in big trouble," he said, indicating a cautious approach to water before the incident. Now, with a renewed appreciation for free time and vacations, he wants to overcome this barrier and enjoy activities that involve water.

Opting for one-on-one sessions over group classes due to a lack of confidence, Jonah is optimistic about the challenge ahead. He expressed hope that with continued effort, he will eventually become a competent swimmer.

On the football front, Sevenoaks Town, managed by Marcel Nimani, stood 12th in the league ahead of their home match against Broadbridge Heath. Jonah has stepped up to captain the team during Perrin’s recovery period, taking on added responsibilities in defense.