During the first week of the October school holidays, from Tuesday 2 October and Tuesday 9 October, children will be able to get up to speed in the water at the popular centre with a free lesson.

Swimming instructor Kate Weldon said initiatives like this were imperative to the well-being and safety of our youngest community members.

“Learn 2 Swim Week is about making sure kids under five have a chance to learn to swim because, statistically most drownings happen in that age group,” she said.

Ms Weldon added that the free lesson was a great chance for instructors to assess children’s ability in the pool with a view to placing them in appropriate classes after the free lesson.

“Parents can come in with their kids, have a free lesson, sort out where their children are and work out where the best place is to put them,” she said.

“You can never drown-proof your child, but the more opportunities you give them to learn to swim and swim safely – whether its at the beach, the pool, rivers, colder pools – the safer they will be.”

Ms Weldon said parents of older children are still encouraged to get in touch as the centre would also be offering a free assessment for children five and over during Learn 2 Swim Week

Elrington resident Carly Roycroft  has been attending the centre with her children for the past six years and her two boys Fletcher and Sebastian just love it.

“We’ve been coming here since my eldest one who is now seven, was one and he still does his lessons on a Thursday afternoon,” she said.

Ms Roycroft added that she first started coming to the centre when the family lived at West Wallsend.

For more information about the free lessons, visit http://www.learn2swimweek.com and search Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre or contact the centre directly on 49371362 to make a booking.

Classes will not be offered on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October.