31 July 2009, 09/157
Learn how to swim for free
Weak or non-swimmers over the age of 12 through to older
people can take the plunge and learn how to swim for free thanks to
a brand new initiative.
West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust has been awarded
£1,500 from the British Swimming ASA to launch this new programme
for those who meet the criteria.
To qualify, participants need to be over 12 years old and
either cannot swim at all or are very weak and need more help.
There is no upper age limited and it is hoped that specific classes
can be organised for different age groups, particularly the over
60’s, who can then take advantage of the free swimming for 60’s and
over in West Lancashire.
The idea behind it is to meet the Amateur Swimming
Association initiative aimed at getting 100,000 more people
swimming.
John Bullock, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community
Leisure Trust, said: "Swimming is great for your health, it’s a fun
activity and more importantly it’s the only sport that can save
your life, which is why we are delighted to be able to launch this
initiative. It’s a chance to learn to swim and enjoy the sport for
health and fun."
The course, which starts from Saturday 15 August, lasts
for 6 weeks and is for an hour lesson per week free of charge at
Nye Bevan Pool and Park Pool. Places are limited to the first 60
people who sign up by contacting their local swimming pool to
register.
Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community
Services, said: "I’m pleased that the Trust has secured this
funding to help weak and non-swimmers over 12 to learn to swim. We
can all enjoy the water so those who meet the criteria should take
the plunge and go learn to swim for free - but hurry as places are
limited."
To find out more, please contact: Park Pool, Park Road,
Ormskirk (01695 576325) or Nye Bevan Pool, Southway, Skelmersdale
(01695 727111). For a full list of activities at all of the Trust’s
five centres, visit our sport centre pages or www.westlancsleisure.com
(external link).
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