MORE than 1,600 young people have been taught how to swim in just 12 months following the launch of free holiday swimming lessons in Bolton.

Now paralympian Rachel Latham is encouraging more young people in Bolton to make a splash and take up swimming in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The swimming sensation, who is hotly tipped for medal glory at the London games, is backing Bolton’s “FreeBie” scheme in a bid to see more people take up the sport.

For the past year, young people aged 16 and under have been able to learn to swim for free during each school holiday at all of Bolton’s community leisure centres.

To celebrate 12 months of free swimming lessons in Bolton, Rachel popped into Horwich Leisure Centre, where she puts in many hours of training, to meet some young swimmers.

“It’s really good to see so many young people enjoying themselves in the pool, she said. “The free swimming scheme will help everyone to live healthier, happier lives.

“In the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics we need to encourage everyone to get involved in sport — and who knows who the next champion might be?”

Since free swimming lessons were launched in July 2008, more than 1,600 young people have been taught how to swim.

Mum Emma Liderth whose daughter, Abigail, aged five, takes advantage of the scheme, said: “The swimming course has really helped to build her confidence.

“Within the space of a week she had learned to swim without armbands. It’s such a great idea to have the scheme and even better that it’s free.”

The lessons are only available during school holidays and must be booked in advance.

However, people aged 16 and under can enjoy free swimming sessions for fun all year round. The FreeBie scheme also offers free casual swimming at all times to anyone aged 60 and over.

Richard Saunders, vice chairman of Bolton’s Community Leisure Trust, said: “As a trust, we are committed to improving the health of the community and encouraging people to take up activities.

“Swimming is one of the most popular and best all-round ways of exercising and an excellent and fun way to stay healthy.”

Details of scheme are available at www.bolton.

gov.uk/freebie schaudhari@ theboltonnews.co.uk