A campaign to encourage more people to swim has received a massive wave of support.
The Hambleton District Council initiative has seen four ‘swim activators’ appointed – to raise awareness and get more people into the water.
It is part of the ‘Swim Local’ pilot scheme in which 12 local authorities across the country are benefitting from National Lottery money through Sport England to promote and increase swimming participation. Hambleton has received £274,525 for its work at its four leisure centres – in Northallerton, Thirsk, Stokesley and Bedale.
Each of the activators is working with a target group – men over 26, families, women andgirls and the older generation. They will also be looking at why people do not use the centres and are currently carrying out a non-user survey.
“Swimming is an exercise open to virtually everyone and is one of the most effective all round health and fitness workouts,” said Councillor Mrs Bridget Fortune, Portfolio Holder for Leisure.
“But participation rates have declined over the last few years. The Swim Local pilot hopes to rectify this by improving the customer experience and increase the take up.
“In the last year there were around 170,000 swims in our pools – we want to see that increase significantly as a result of this scheme. Please take the time to complete the survey.”
The survey is available at www.hambleton.gov.uk/survey/swim and runs until 28 February. All completed responses will be entered into a free prize draw to win a 12 month swim membership.