A gym in Bolton has launched a new swimming class to encourage more young people to get into swimming.

The Learn To Swim Programme is run by Total Fitness, and lessons are available for members and non-members.

It comes as research by Total Fitness found that 7 in 10 children in the UK don’t swim regularly, and the gym also recognised the lack of swimming pools available across the UK where children can learn to swim.

Kerry Curtis, Brand Development Director of Total Fitness, said: “We knew the importance of providing a kids' swimming lesson offering that’s right for both parents and children; ensuring the lessons are enjoyable and rewarding for both.

“We started the process by conducting research to uncover what barriers exist and the pain points for parents when it came to their children's swimming and have focused on how we can reduce and remove these.

 “Further research from 2022 suggests that since 2010, there’s been a net decline of 382 swimming pools across the country.

“Not only is swimming a life-saving skill, but it also provides a lot of health and community benefits to local areas, which is why we decided to open the Swim Academy to non-members too.

 “Our Swim Academy aims to not only encourage children into the swimming pool from an early age, but also to show them how fun swimming - and exercise in general - can be, and to build a lifelong love for fitness within them.

 “The lessons are designed to provide extra support to children and their parents too, with feedback sessions at the end of each swim session providing them with tips and advice on their progress.”

Their study - which investigated the sport and fitness habits of 10,000 households - revealed low levels of children aged 5-11 learning to swim.

 It was also revealed that children, for various reasons, aren’t getting into swimming pools regularly until they reach KS2 age.

The launch of the Swim Academy means that there are also up to over 60 new opportunities available for swim teachers, poolside experienced managers, and Lifeguards at Total Fitness.

 Visit the website for more information or to book swimming lessons.

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