More Island youngsters have been given the opportunity to take the plunge and learn to swim with the Isle of Wight council’s 1Leisure service.
The local authority increased the number of places available for junior swimming lessons at 1Leisure Medina, Newport, to meet the growing demand.
A valuable life-skill
With almost 1,000 youngsters already participating in swimming lessons run by the council, the extra capacity has meant even more children and young people have been able to access this valuable life-skill.
In recent weeks, 55 youngsters have joined the council’s swimming lesson programme with extra spaces being provided on Saturdays, the most popular day for kids swimming lessons.
Sign up for classes
While there is currently a short waiting list for stage one beginner classes, spaces are still available for those with previous swimming experience or young swimmers who want to improve stroke technique or advance on existing skills.
The centre holds swim tests to ensure each child fits into the correct ability class from their first lesson.
For more information, please call the 1Leisure Medina reception on (01983) 823880 or visit the Website.
Jones-Evans: It can help your child enjoy the water and prevent drowning
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member responsible for leisure centres, said,
“Being confident and safe in the water is one of the best ways to get the most out of living on the Isle of Wight — everybody loves a sunny day at the beach!
“Swimming is a fantastic life skill, not only does it help your child enjoy the water, but it can also help prevent drowning, develop fine motor skills and encourage a healthy lifestyle.”
Why learn to swim?
While spending time in the water is always great fun, it has other benefits too:
- Safety — By learning to swim, your child becomes equipped with water skills that can increase water safety.
- Health — Swimming increases strength, endurance, flexibility and balance as well as enhancing heart and lung condition.
- Fun — Easily the main reason for teaching your child how to swim is it is fun!
All of the council’s swimming lessons are in line with the Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway — a seven-stage comprehensive, integrated and progressive teaching programme based on technical and educational principles.
For more information about the swimming stages, visit www.swimming.org where each of the stages are described in detail.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
