Hi Elaine, I swam in a club from about age 8 to 16 and loved every minute of it. I made friends that I am still in touch with and it was brilliant exercise that I still enjoy today
It is a big commitment on your part as there is a lot of dropping/collecting involved, even harder if it is early morning sessions as it often is, I was able to walk to school after which at least elimated one run for my parents! If there are others you could share runs with that would ease the load a lot and provides motivation when you don't particularly feel like going
I never remember finding it difficult, when it did become too much and I needed to focus on my leaving cert I training as a lifeguard and competed in watersafety competitions through my club which again were great fun and did not require the same level of fitness and training
G*