With the opening of the new Aberdeen Aquatics Centre getting closer, University staff and students are being given another opportunity to take advantage of free swimming lessons at the new facility.
The scheme – aimed at beginners – is part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Legacy, and those taking part will be some of the first to use the new centre.
The second block of lessons will start on April 23 and are scheduled to take place on Wednesday afternoons and early on Friday mornings.
The first intake of students hailed the scheme a huge success. Some of the comments from participants included:
"The lessons were fantastic, I enjoyed every minute."
"I overcame my fear of water and now I have skills to take away and practice."
"Learnt some of the basics of swimming and can even demonstrate a few, I now have more theoretical knowledge of the sport."
"Great coaching, a simple breakdown of technique, encouraging!"
"This has given me the courage, skills and motivation to use swimming as a form of fitness training and, in particular, to attend the new aquatics centre."
Gillian Kerr of the University’s Sports & Exercise Team added: “These free lessons, available to staff and students, reinforce that the facility is not just for our elite users but for anyone interested in swimming or water sports at any level.
“We’ve already seen great success in Block 1 where students and staff have learned new skills that will last them a life time! We are also delighted that the Awarding Panel from Universities Scotland has selected the University of Aberdeen’s Learn to Swim entry as one of three finalists in the Game Changer Awards which is sponsored by Scottish Student Sport.
“We want as many people as possible to benefit from the new facility, and anyone completing these swimming lessons will then be able to go on and take other classes and enjoy all the features the aquatic centre has to offer.
“Ten out of the University’s 56 student sports teams require members to be able to swim – from water polo, to canoeing or even triathlon – so this scheme will open up a number of new opportunities for participants.”
The lessons are 30 minutes long and take place over a five week block at the Aberdeen Aquatics Centre.
Full details can be found on our website the Sport & Exercise Team website. Bookings and enquiries can be made by contacting g.kerr@abdn.ac.uk