Swimming pools in Kent are offering lessons for children of all abilities this summer, from complete beginners to more confident swimmers who need to improve their skills for deeper waters.

A shocking one in three children leave primary school unable to swim, according to figures from the Amateur Swimming Association – that’s 1.1 million school children who couldn’t save themselves if they fell into water.

With 10% of children only going swimming when they’re on holiday, and two thirds of incidents the RNLI respond to at UK beaches involving children, now’s the time to make sure they can swim safely while having fun in the sun.

Tmactive, which operates Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Larkfield Leisure Centre and the Angel Centre on behalf of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, is offering a range of lessons this summer.

There’s a special discounted Learn 2 Swim 7 years+ course for children yet to complete a 25m swim competently. This course costs £25.

Martin Guyton, Chief Executive of Tonbridge and Malling leisure trust, said: “Swimming is great exercise, great fun and of course it’s a vital life skill, too.

"It is the only sport that offers health and fitness benefits, provides children with vital development skills and can save lives.

"Our Learn 2 Swim summer course is specifically aimed at children aged seven and over, and is based on the ASA award scheme. We want to ensure every child in the borough has the opportunity to swim safely this summer.”