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Haverhill Leisure Centre will be participating in Suffolk Swim Weekend offering non-swimming adults the chance to learn to swim on Sunday June 10th from 1.30 pm to 3.30pm. Adults of any ability can book to try the adult lessons at beginner and improver level. Plus there will be two Seascooters, snorkels and flippers sessions for 8 to 16year olds and 16years +.

What’s more, British Olympic Medallist Duncan Goodhew will be calling in to meet swimmers and help encourage everyone to get in the water.

The pioneering initiative Everyday Swim - supported by Sport England, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Strategic Partnership and Suffolk Sport - is coordinating the first ever Suffolk Swim Weekend. A countywide project, Everyday Swim aims to increase participation in pool activity for people aged 45 and over, young people aged 5-19, and people who live in rural areas.

If you are a non-swimming adult, you are not alone. Up to one in five adults in the UK are unable to swim and statistics show a significant drop-off in swimming as people get towards the age of 45. There are many reasons why people don't swim or can't swim. Many adults stop swimming when their children become independent enough to go swimming on their own, whilst a large number of adults never learnt to swim because they didn't have the opportunity or because they were terrified of getting into the water in the first place.

But swimming can bring great health benefits, and one of the few activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Because swimming is not weight-bearing, it can benefit almost everyone, no matter what your fitness or physical ability.

Former Olympic swimming champion and Everyday Swim Ambassador Duncan Goodhew, as well as calling into Haverhill Leisure Centre, will be touring the county for the Suffolk Swim Weekend.

"The Suffolk Swim Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for local people to find out what the county's pools have to offer," he said. "There are so many activities going on in all seven districts, there's something for everyone no matter what your swimming capability.

"If you can't swim or lack confidence in swimming the Suffolk Swim Weekend is a great opportunity to find out what you're missing. I count myself lucky because I learnt to swim as a child, but many people never had the chance. Around one in five adults can't swim, but if enough people sign up for the taster lessons we can reduce that figure in Suffolk and get more people into the pool for fun, fitness and good health."

Councillor Graham Newman of Suffolk County Council said: "Suffolk Swim Weekend is a great chance to do what you've probably often said you wanted to do, but never got round to! We have some great swimming facilities in the county so please take advantage of this offer. Come and join me in taking the plunge, it could be the start of a whole new you! Swimming is by far the best exercise I know for gently building your health and fitness back up again."

Most sessions are free, but anyone wishing to take part in the adult learn-to-swim sessions should book in advance as demand is expected to be high and spaces are limited.

For further information visit Abbeycroft Leisure website. To book please telephone Haverhill Leisure Centre reception - telephone number 01440 702548.

E-Mail Link: haverhill.lc@acleisure.com