Take the plunge and learn to swim for free!

The special offer sessions at the centre in Delaware Road , Shoeburyness, are supported by Activesouthend and Southend-on-Sea's Legacy 2012.

Novice swimmers who want to hone their skills are welcome to attend the 'Swimfit' sessions which take place from 6pm to 7pm starting on Tuesday 3rd July.

Meanwhile complete beginners can sign up for the 'Learn to Swim' classes which take place from 6pm to 6.30pm and start on Thursday 5th July.

Both of these brand new sessions will run for 10 consecutive weeks and are open to men and women of all ages.

They are led by qualified instructors from Parkwood Community Leisure, the company which manages Southend's leisure centres on behalf of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

The instructors will help participants make the most of every swim and also give details of how to join the online British Gas Swimfit club at http://www.swimfit.com/

This has many features to help swimmers maximise their time in the pool, including information on swimming sessions designed to keep swimmers motivated, personal goals for all levels and personal progress reports.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis, said: "We encourage people of all ages or abilities to learn to swim for fitness, health and safety.

"These free sessions, led by qualified instructors, mean that swimmers will be learning the skills for this excellent way of exercising, in the best environment possible.

"We urge everyone to take to the water, even if it is their first time, but please book early as spaces are limited."

For more information on the sessions contact Ruth at Shoeburyness Leisure Centre on 01702-293558 or e-mail shoeburyness@parkwood-communityleisure.co.uk