Christmas present ideas – a gift for life

Buy Swim School lessons for under sixty pounds

Forget the toys this year and give a gift that will last a lifetime - you can buy a set of Swim School lessons at your local leisure centre from £59.50, pop the details on a card, maybe add a swish swimming costume or goggles, and from January to Marchthe happy recipient can enjoy the water, make new friends and develop a real skill.

Swimming is an activity with lots of benefits – not only is it a good way for youngsters to exercise, it’s fun, a great social activity and it can literally save your life.

Starting early is important as children progress much more quickly because they’re not frightened of water and Hounslow leisure centres have recently upgraded their Swim School classes to ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) standards. 

The sessions start with the NPTS Stage 1 for non swimmers where they learn water confidence, through ten stages to NPTS Stage 10 which includes a personal survival award.  During each stage children are given the opportunity to work towards the additional higher stage disciplines such as diving, polo, rookie lifeguard and synchronised swimming. If you're unsure which level to choose the professional swimming teachers are on hand at the Hounslow Centres below to offer advice. 

There are also sessions for adults who want to improve their swimming or who never learnt when they were younger.

Swimming coordinator Yvonne Smyth at Heston Pool said: “Learning to swim is so important, not only to make sure our young people are safe near water but it can also be an activity the whole family can enjoy".  

Cllr Pritam Grewal, Hounslow’s lead member for leisure and wellbeing said:

“We are committed to helping young people learn to enjoy Hounslow’s swimming facilities. Our ASA-standard lessons will enable children to gain confidence in the water and develop a skill they will enjoy for the rest of their life.”

Swim School courses at are available at Heston Pool, Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, Isleworth Recreation Centre, Hanworth Airpark Leisure Centre and New Chiswick Pool at £59.50 for a 14 week course. For more information visit www.hounslow-leisure.com or call the centres directly on 0845 4566675.

December 9, 2010