OKEHAMPTON Parklands Leisure Centre is encouraging more people to get active by offering free swimming classes to those aged 60 and over.

The free swimming lessons will run at various times throughout the year until March 2010, in line with Leisure Connection's aim to encourage more people to be more active.

The classes are funded by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and will be available for weak and non-swimmers as a way of becoming water confident and being active in the pool.

National swimming manager for Leisure Connection Kate McKnight said: 'Swimming is a fantastic way to keep active and stay healthy. However, we have found that a lot of people are quite nervous in the pool.

'This initiative is a fantastic way for apprehensive swimmers to build their confidence in the water and enjoy all the benefits that swimming brings.

'Swimming is one of the most popular ways for people in this country to keep fit and your body works hard — 30 minutes in the pool is worth 45 minutes activity on dry land.

'Swimming is also low impact, which makes it great for people who have problems with their joints or find exercise difficult.'

The free swimming courses are funded by the ASA and delivered by a qualified swimming instructor.

For more information about the classes and to book in advance, call Parklands Leisure Centre on 01837 659154.