Parkwood Leisure in conjunction with the London Borough of Bexley and the ASA governing body have secured funding to offer Free Swimming lessons to those over the age of 11. The participating centres are Crook Log Leisure centre, Erith Leisure Centre and Sidcup Leisure Centre. The only requirement that the public need to fulfil is that they must be completely non-swimmers.
The lessons are in groups so learners are surrounded by other people with the same ability and the social aspect from learning in groups is another benefit to the lessons. Depending on the pace people wish to learn to swim, the courses are offered as either a one-week crash course or more slowly over a 6-week period.
Swimming is claimed by many scientists to be the best form of exercise a human can do, therefore if your struggling to lose weight or have been unsuccessful in the past at losing weight then swimming is for you. Or if you are over 60 and suffer from arthritis then swimming is the exercise for you as the water supports the joints and allows free movement. It is also a great family activity that is cheap and healthy.
Learners are taught by the centre's expert instructors who are friendly and have years for experience in teaching people of all ages and abilities to swim. As the government backed Free Swimming scheme is operating until March 2011 there will be plenty of opportunity once learners have completed the course to practice their new skill.
If you’re a non-swimmer and want to learn to swim for free then please contact one of the participating centres - Crook Log Leisure Centre 0208 304 9090, Erith Leisure Centre 01322 350271 or Sidcup Leisure Centre on 0208 302 0556.