102-year-old makes waves for over 50 years by teaching generations to swim

ROSEBURG, Ore. (KVAL) — Multiple times a week, you can find Peggy Konzack at the Roseburg YMCA in Oregon.

At 102 years old, she continues to teach a class where she helps babies six months to three years old get accustomed to being in the water.

It's just a joy in my life,” Konzack said. “I'm playing with them. I'm not working, I'm playing.

Her instruction has been especially helpful to Jennifer Reid, whose daughter Lyla is deaf.

"Peggy's really great because she integrates a lot of gestures and simple signs,” said Reid. Getting one-on-one support, just the three of us, learning to swim has made all the difference.”

It’s a teaching style that was formed in 1968.

I came here to the Y just to relax and swim, and friends said, 'How about taking my baby to the baby class?’” Konzack explained. “And I said, 'Sure, I'll be glad to.'

She has no plans of stopping.

"I'm inspired to get up in the morning, get ready,” Konzack said. “I still drive my car and come to the Y and spend the morning."

Peggy's been doing this for so long that she's even taught multiple generations of the same families.

"Sometimes, I say, 'Oh, it's time to retire,’” said Konzack. “And then someone will say, 'No Peggy, keep going, keep going.' So, here I am."

Add it all up, and you have one woman who’s impacted an entire town.

Getting those kids safe around water,” Steven Stanfield said. “That's our number one priority and Peggy has been a main person in being able to do that in our community.

So Peggy will keep showing up, making the babies laugh and closing each class with the hokey pokey.

And then, she’ll come back and do it again.

"What else can I do that is more rewarding?” said Konzack.