Discounted Swimming Lessons Fail to Inspire!

It seems as though Sheffield Council's Learn to Swim programme has fallen to a watery grave.

The local alternative to the Government's free swimming programme seems to have failed to inspire locals with only 130 people taking up the discounted swimming lessons.

The lessons, which have been available since December at a third of the normal price, have not ignited local people's enthusiasm. This is despite 1 in 5 adults in Sheffield being unable to swim and swimming being listed as an activity that most inactive people would like to try.

Janet Jenkins, who is one of the people to use the discounted lessons said: "I think they are great. As a middle aged woman I wouldn't have benefited from the government scheme but due to this scheme I have become a much stronger swimmer."

Janet appears to have bucked the trend though as many places on the scheme remain empty. Cllr Sylvia Dunkley, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Streetscene admitted as much when she said: "There are still plenty of places available." She remained upbeat though and added: "Come on Sheffielders, grab your chance and come and learn to swim with us!"

The lessons are now available at all swimming pools in Sheffield so anyone interested should contact their local pool.

By Stephen McShane