see2swim.com

The UK Government has welcomed the latest official data that shows that there were 5.9 million free swims during the second quarter of its £140m free swimming initiative, covering July, August and September 2009 – up from 4.5 million in the first quarter since the scheme began in April.

This consists of 4 million free swims by people aged 16 and under, and 1.9m by over sixties, up from 2.9m and 1.6m respectively.
Reacting to the figures, Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:

“This is a terrific vote of confidence in our free swimming initiative, which has really caught the imagination of people in every corner of the country.

“More than ten million free swims so far – 5.9m in the last quarter, including a hugely successful August – is testament to how this scheme is tapping into a desire among people, young and old, to get active.

“This scheme is part of the 2012 ‘dividend’ – a scheme inspired by our success in winning the right to stage the Olympics and Paralympics – and is going from strength to strength.

“More councils are joining up and offering more people the chance to swim for free – and each and every local authority that is part of the scheme deserves credit for backing it, often with their own money as well, and seeing the benefits that free swimming can provide every day for local communities.”

The initiative is jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Health, Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

It is being delivered in conjunction with local authorities, the Local Government Association, the ASA and Sport England, and more detail (including full statistical data for the second quarter) can be found at the DCMS website.

Britain’s Olympic Medallists have joined with the ASA to launch a new ‘Go Swim’ website section which aims to encourage people to take the plunge and visit their local swimming pool.

With the inspirational success of Team GB’s Olympic swimmers and the UK government initiative to provide free access to swimming for the under 16’s and the over 60’s there’s never been a better time to go to the swimming pool.

but all See2swim prescription goggles do. Protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation is a very good idea. Whether choosing sunglasses or prescription swimming goggles, don’t forget to check their effectiveness against UV. This Belfast Telegraph article offers some excellent advice when choosing sunglasses and they also re-iterate the problems of wearing contact lenses when swimming.

Chlorine is added to swimming pools to combat water borne infections. The unfortunate side effect for many is red or puffy eyes after your swimming session. If you are a regular swimmer then you really should consider wearing swimming goggles. When looking after the health of your eyes then its better to be safe than sorry.

The Amateur Swimming Association website has some excellent resources for swimmers and swim coaches. Today I came across this great little guide to the four competition swim strokes. It’s well worth a look even of you think you already know the strokes.

Whether you wear glasses or contacts, or you are lucky enough to not need them, keeping your eyes in good condition is important. National Eye Week have this guide to healthy foods that will help you keep your eyes in the best possible condition.

During December 2006 we are offering “discount deals for dedicated swimmers”.

If you are a member of an ASA affiliated club we are offering a £5 discount on our range of stylish prescription swimming goggles. Email us with your club details and we’ll send you a discount voucher that you can use at the see2swim.com on-line shop.

Don’t forget that delivery to UK addresses is always free at see2swim.com

Tags: ASA, stylish, prescription swimming goggles

Before you order your swim goggles you need to know what your optical prescription is. To help you, we have created the see2swim guide to understanding your optical prescription.

A prescription is valid for two years, if yours is older or almost out of date, we recommend that you arrange for a new eye test at a qualified optician.

Tags: optical prescription, prescription, eye test