PARENTS in can sign up their little ones to learn how to swim.

There are places available on each stage of the Learn to Swim programme at Consett Leisure Centre and The Louisa Centre, in Stanley.

The lessons will take children from their first splash, right through to developing confidence and competence in the water. Following the Swim England Award programme the lessons will teach the fundamental skills needed to swim.

Kaye Stephenson, Durham County Council’s principal aquatics manager, said: “If you are ready to get your children into swimming, now is a great time to sign them up as there are spaces in every swimming class stage, in Consett and Stanley.

“It’s important for every child to learn to swim at a young age, not just for health purposes but for the valuable water safety skills it will teach them which could one day save their lives.”

Babies, joined by their parents, can be introduced to the water from four months-old for Discovery Ducklings sessions where structured fun and play helps babies build their confidence in the water. Then there are Ducklings sessions for those children aged two to three.

From the age of three Dippers sessions take children from their first time in the pool without their parents, through to being competent swimmers.

Teachers will then move children through the stages at their own pace as they develop skills from non-swimmers to beginners, and improvers through to advanced swimmers.

Prices start from £45 for 10 sessions, including unlimited general swim sessions.

For further information contact Consett Leisure Centre 03000 262 499 or The Louisa Centre 01207-218 877.