Welcome Back to the Pool is aimed specifically at people who can swim, or could in the past, but through illness, injury or life changing event may now lack the confidence to get back in the pool.

Swimming has some great health benefits for those returning to exercise. This is another example of a practical session to help encourage regular physical activity amongst residents needing support.

Participants who have attended the class in the past include residents who have lost their sight, who have been diagnosed with diabetes, who have back pain, those who have had a stroke and others who have not been swimming since childhood and now want the confidence to swim with their grandchildren.

Throughout the Welcome Back to the Pool sessions a fully qualified (Amateur Swimming Association Level 2) swimming instructor is on hand to provide as much or as little support to participants as required. The instructor will be in the water to support people back into swimming, to give hints and tips and talk about using swimming to gain health and fitness benefits.

Places will be limited to keep the class numbers small and the 6 week course costs £20. For further information contact Greg Hayward, Exercise Pathways Co-ordinator at City of York Council on 01904 555755, email greg.hayward@york.gov.uk or visit www.york.gov.uk/heal