Archived press release

Date Published: 23/06/09

Swim and get active for just £2.50

There’s never been a better time to learn to swim with the government’s recent support for free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s.

And Bucks Sport, working with Aqua Vale Leisure Centre (managed by Aylesbury Vale Community Trust), are now offering low cost classes for all adults (16 and over) to learn to swim or to become more confident swimmers.

These classes are part of “Make a Splash!”, a programme of water-based activities led by highly qualified teachers and subsidised by Bucks Sport. Available from 24 June, these classes are another example of how agencies in Buckinghamshire are working together to help people get fit and active in the run up to London 2012.

Charlotte Smith, Swimming & Aquatics Development Officer for Bucks Sport, is working with Aqua Vale and AVDC to get more people to take to the pool, stay in the pool and have more fun being more active. As she explains: “Together we have been working to introduce a complementary package of classes which cater for the complete beginner right through to the more experienced swimmer. At only £2.50 a class they provide excellent value for money.”

There will be three different types of classes for adults available at Aqua Vale for five weeks starting from 24 June. Please see details below:

• “Make a Splash!” Learn to Swim: caters for complete beginners and supports participants as they build their confidence and skills in shallow water. Classes available every Wednesday at 8.00 - 8.30am and Thursday at 12.15 -12.45pm.
• “Make a Splash!” Swim Perfection: helps improve technique and is particularly suited to people who have recently learnt to swim or want to get back into swimming. Class available every Wednesday at 8.30 - 9.00am.
• “Make a Splash!” Swim Fit: routines and individual coaching designed to improve stamina and performance across all swimming strokes. Class available every Thursday at 12.45 -1.30pm.

Each class, led by a highly experienced Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Level 2 Teacher, is subsidised by Bucks Sport and costs just £2.50. Plus all those coming along to their first session will receive a fee Bucks Sport swimming hat and water bottle. Exclusive discounts will also be made available for those deciding to enrol on the future “Make a Splash!” courses starting this September.

As the summer holidays approach there is no better time to get ‘beach fit’ as Christine Coppack from Aqua Vale explains: “We appreciate how busy people are so we’re packing a lot into these regular classes and structuring them so participants really feel the difference after just a few weeks. One of the things I hear from our customers time and time again is how they wish they were better swimmers so they could join their children or grandchildren more in the water. These classes will help them and anyone else who wants to give their swimming a boost.”

For more details of these latest “Make a Splash!” activities contact Charlotte Smith (Swimming & Aquatics Development Officer at Bucks Sport) on 01296 585090, or the team at Aqua Vale on 01296 488555.

Alternatively log on to the Bucks Sport website www.buckssport.org for information on sports opportunities in our county. Whether you like swimming or want to try other sports and leisure activities, you’ll find Bucks Sport can provide details of opportunities near you. Currently there are hundreds of opportunities ranging from yoga and ballroom dancing to sports for people with disabilities.