New swimming pool opening in Kirkby

The new pool will open in the Old Salvation Army Centre on Morley Street on November 5. Swimming lessons will be taught in the 10 meter by five metre pool, and babies from birth right up to teenagers can take lessons. The pool, called ‘back to front’, will focus on young children taking lessons in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere. Jenny Sadler, manager said: “I think it’s very important for young children to learn how to swim, it’s quite scary seeing young ones that can’t swim.“I see how many thing I can do because for swimming, and it opens doors to do other things. “Our teaching is child led, we don’t force them to do anything they don’t want to do.”The swim instructors will be in the pool with the children, rather than on the side shouting instructions, to offer a more relaxed, supportive atmosphere. For children under three, parents also swim with the child, which Jenny says is a great bonding experience. Jenny said: “It is good for bonding, as it’s time away from chores to spend focusing on your child. “It helps that we have a set time and date for our lessons, which is paid for in advance, because sometimes swimming lessons can get put off.The classes will be small, with four children per class, and a maximum of eight for parent and toddler lessons.Jenny said: “It works better with smaller classes, the children watch and learn from each other. "The pool is 1.2 meters deep, and Jenny says although they are focusing on children’s lessons at the moment, they may look into teaching adults in the future.

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