Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy, but a large proportion of adults cannot swim or feel nervous in the water. To help them take the plunge to learn to swim or simply improve their technique, a new range of swimming lessons aimed specifically at adults are being launched by St Albans City and District Council, in partnership with its leisure centre manager, Leisure Connection.

Available at Harpenden Swimming Pool and Westminster Lodge, the eight week course costs £24 for new customers and is open to all those over the age of 16.

Swimming as a non weight bearing activity is perfect for helping older people and those recovering from injuries to improve their fitness levels.

Lessons available include:

· Learn to swim / water confidence for adults. These lessons have been put together for adults who want to learn to swim.

· Stroke improvement lessons for adults. If you want to learn a different stroke or learn how to breathe properly while swimming these are the lessons for you.

· Advanced lessons for adults. These are perfect for someone who’s training for a triathlon, open water swimming event, swimming competitions or just wants to get stronger and fitter.

Scott Machen, Contract Manager for Leisure Connection in St Albans District said: “These courses are not just for complete novices and beginners. They are also perfect for people who are self taught or just want to improve their stroke, ability and effectiveness in the pool. To encourage more adults to come and try our lessons, we have introduced a special introductory offer for new customers.”

He adds: “If the correct swimming technique is taught then swimming becomes a more pleasurable experience and enables the participant to enjoy a more productive session in the pool. Becoming more confident in the water will also open up further opportunities for customers to enjoy other aquatic activities we hold at Westminster Lodge and Harpenden Swimming Pool, such as Aquafit.”

Anyone signed up to the adult swimming lessons will only have to pay £1 each time they go swimming independently of their lessons while they are on the course.

On completion of the first eight week course participants will also receive a £5 voucher off their next course and a discount voucher for all Zoggs pool equipment.

For more information about the courses on offer contact Harpenden Swimming Pool at Leyton Road, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden on 01582 460683 or Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre at Holywell Hill, St Albans on 01727 846031.