Making A Splash for the Olympics

The Lancashire Big Swim will take place at swimming pools across the county, including Ribblesdale Pool in Edisford Road, Clitheroe, from 1 to 4pm on Saturday, October 8.

The Big Swim is a celebration of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and each local authority area is aiming to swim 2012 lengths on the same day.

Ribble Valley Borough Council's leisure and sports development manager, Colin Winterbottom, said: "Whether people are enthusiastic swimmers and aim to use the Big Swim as part of their regular training, or will be getting into a swimming pool for the first time, we want everyone to have a go.

"People don't have to be an Olympic swimmer to take part, they just need to turn up and join in the Olympic spirit."

Many people cycle or run to get fit, but don't think of swimming as a route to a healthier lifestyle.

But even a gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in half an hour and a fast front crawl can burn as many calories as an eight-mile run.

Participation in The Big Swim at Ribblesdale Pool costs just £1.50, less than 50 per cent of the standard £3.50 admission price.

Further details of are available from Ribblesdale Pool on 01200 424825.

Ends.

Ref: PR4611.

Date: September 21 2011.

Further details for the press are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council's communications unit on 01200 414483 or 07971 978766.