Learning to swim is a fantastic experience – and it’s not as daunting as you might think. Each year thousands of people just like you take the plunge and learn how to be confident in the water. Whether you’re a beginner, a returner or a more advanced swimmer looking to improve, you’ll find what you need in the ASA Adult Learn to Swim Framework. It’s a specialised adult swimming framework for people over 14 years old, and caters for all levels of swimming ability and previous experience.

Once you can swim a whole world of other activities opens up for you. So start swimming today. Know how to swim is a must – it is a skill that could ultimately save yours or your child’s life.  But if you’re not confident in the pool, never learnt to swim, or don’t know how to get your children started you might need some more advice.

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Reasons why swimming is good for you

• The recommended amount of exercise is one hour every day for children and 30 minutes at least five times a week for adults and swimming is a great way to hit these targets.

• So next time you’re wondering whether getting your hair wet is worth the effort, glance over this list and grab your towel!

• It’s great for shaping up. Even a gentle swim can burn over 200 Kcal in half an hour and a fast front crawl can burn as many calories as an 8mph run.

• It’s great for mental health. Studies have shown swimming improves psychological well being. Female swimmers in particular have been shown to experience significantly less tension, depression and anger after exercising than before.

• It’s a fun activity. Pools offer all types of sessions such as aqua aerobics or gym-style programmes for the pool – to find your local pool – Pool Finder

• It’s the only sport that can save your life. Over 400 people drown in the UK every year and it is the third most common cause of accidental death in children. Swimming is for all. No matter what your age, weight and physical ability, swimming and water-based activities can provide you with a workout.

• Swimming is particularly good for pregnant women or those with disabilities, injuries or illnesses like arthritis because swimming can support up to 90% of the body’s weight in the water.

• Swimming can offer the ultimate challenge at any level, whether that’s swimming the length of the channel in your local pool or taking the plunge at an open water Great Swim Event.

• Swimming is a sport people can start at any age, and can do for life – there is even a category for people who want to race in events over the age of 100!

• Plus, knowing how to swim opens up a whole range of other sports, just imagine, you could don a snorkel and swim with fish, or even complete a scuba diving course. You could join a canoeing or sailing club or even take your swimming to the next level and enter competitions!