One swimming with boy having damaged heart (6)

I believe the answer is:

bather

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one swimming' is the definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.

'boy having damaged heart' is the wordplay.
'boy' becomes 'b' (abbreviation used in schools).
'having' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'damaged' indicates anagramming the letters.
'heart' anagrammed gives 'ather'.
'b'+'ather'='BATHER'

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bather that I've seen before include "Seaside swimmer" , "one getting into the drink" , "man getting soaked?" , "One dipping in the briny?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.