Lakeland swimmer, 98, inspires peers with water aerobics dedication

Laverne Austin was afraid she’d walk into the Lakeland Family YMCA and see snacks and balloons.

Sure enough, she did.

“(They) knew how old I was,” she said.

Laverne posed for photos in a glittery pink birthday hat. She even wore it in the pool for her water aerobics class. At 98, all eyes tend to find an energetic senior.