Virtual Lancaster

Youngsters in the Lancaster and Morecambe district are being offered the opportunity to learn how to swim with a programme of lessons offered by Lancaster City Council.

The holiday season is approaching and learning to swim can help your child to be safe this summer.

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do to help you stay fit and healthy. The lessons will teach children a wide range of skills to make them feel competent and confident swimmers. As well as the health benefits of learning to swim, there are many safety benefits. Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death amongst young people under the age of 16 years. On average 60 children lose their lives every year and most drownings take place within just 5m of safety.

Wherever you live in the Lancaster district, there is a swimming lesson programme near you. Sessions are running at Salt Ayre Sports Centre, and the community pools in Hornby, Carnforth and Heysham. The teachers are professional and motivated and lessons follow the ASA National Plan which includes knowledge and awareness of water safety. Courses are available on different days of the week at each of the pools.

The next 10 week course of swimming lessons start on the week commencing Monday 28 June and will run until Saturday 2nd October. There is a four week break from Monday 2 August to Saturday 28 August. Lessons take place between 4pm and 6pm from Monday to Friday and 7.50am to 10.30am on Saturdays.

The charge for each half hour lesson is £3.70 or £37 for a ten week course which must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. Monday courses are a nine week course due to the August Bank Holiday and there is a reduced fee for this course of £33.30.

Lancaster City Council offers various other ‘get wet’ activities for all ages from toddlers to adults. There are adult swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, ladies only sessions, young family sessions and Ducks ‘n’ Ducklings for the tiny tots. These activities are all available through the community pools and at Salt Ayre Sports Centre: please contact your local centre to find out what is available near you.

• For further information please telephone:

Or alternatively visit the website at www.lancaster.gov.uk