More for the healthy half term file!

British Gas has pledged £15 investment in British Swimming over the next six years and will support swimming from learners to elite athletes as well as water polo, diving and other related activities.

So what does that mean for you?

Through 31st March 2010 British Gas has teamed up with hundreds of pools around the UK to provide customers a free family swim. Click here to find a pool near you and register for your voucher. For more information on the programme visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming

In addition, British Gas has joined forces with Sharron Davies to offer the following top ten tips to encourage families to take the plunge with the Free Swim campaign.

Ten tips to swimming success

1. Don’t feel you need to be a strong swimmer to participate. If you’re not a confident swimmer, check for the availability of lifeguards in the pools you visit and make sure they’re aware of any concerns you might have.
2. Buy an annual swim pass. This will help you save money, and encourage you to go more often.
3. Set realistic goals. It can be difficult to squeeze another activity into the hectic family schedule, so why not set yourself manageable goals? Start with trying to swim together once a month, and them increase it to twice a month and so on. Before you know it you’ll be in a regular swimming habit.
4. Start a family challenge. Set the kids achievable targets and make sure Mum and Dad match them so the whole family can join in.
5. Join a parents and toddlers group. Children can learn to swim at any age but it’s when they’re still toddlers that the pick it up the most quickly. Many pools offer group swimming lessons for parents and their little ones, which are really great not only for teaching your kids to love the water but also for socialising with other parents in the area.
6. Bring lots of toys along. Kids love buoyancy aids such as swimming noodles and rubber rings and lots of pools provide them for free.  Give a couple to your kids and watch them go!
7. Make sure you bring goggles. It sounds like a small thing but many children are put off swimming by the stinging sensation chlorine can cause.  Make sure you always have a pair of goggles to hand and watch them explore their underwater world!
8. Look for offers. British Gas customers can make the most of the free family swim offer until March next year. The government are also offering free swims to those under sixteen and over 60, so make sure you find out if you’re local pool is participating.
9. Learn to swim. Lots of pools offer adult swimming lessons – it’s never too late to learn. Why not ask at your local pool and learn with your child so you can make the most of fun family swimming occasions.
10. Go off peak. If you’re feeling self conscious about stripping down to your swim suit, ask your local pool which is the quietest time and make this your weekly visit. Some pools even have women-only sessions which could be a great place to start.