Families in the Barnsley area now have even more reason to learn to swim, as local leisure operator BPL, in conjunction with Barnsley Council, is offering free swimming lessons.

A six week program of free swimming lessons is available for families where a minimum of two members of that family cannot swim and are over 11 years of age.  These free swimming lessons are available at five BPL venues including - Dearnside Leisure Group, Hoyland Leisure Centre, Metrodome Leisure Complex, Royston Leisure Centre and Wombwell Swimming Pool.

Eddie Lim, BPL`s swimming development officer explains: "The initiative has been introduced to encourage families to become fitter, healthier and more active, as well as learning a valuable life skill.  Swimming is something that should be enjoyed by all the family, so whether it`s dad, mum, brother, sister or grandma who wants to learn, as long as there are two family members who cannot swim, they can learn together - for free!"

When the course of six free lessons have been completed, the families that take part can save money when they book further swimming lessons with the BPL, making sure the can continue learning and having fun in the water.

Cllr Roy Miller, Barnsley Council spokesperson for Customer and Neighbourhood Services, said: "This is a great chance for families to have fun, get healthy and learn a skill that can potentially save their lives.  What`s more, it won`t cost a thing.  I`ll be recommending this programme to everyone I know, and I hope that others will do the same."

BPL has long been recognised for being one of the best swim schools in the region and achieved a distinction rating when it was awarded the prestigious STA making it the first organisation in the region to do so.

To find out more about free swimming, contact Eddie Lim on 011226 738 661 or email edward.lim@bpl.org.uk