I’ve had so many calls these last few days from people reqesting lessons, and one of the most common questions I get asked is ‘how long will it take me to learn to swim?’

Well I’m afraid I’m going to have to answer the question with another question. How long is a piece of string? If you compare learning to swim to learning to drive a car, some people have a few lessons and pass first time while others have many lessons and many tests before they finally shun the ‘L’ plates! One thing they all have in common however, is that they ALL do pass eventually! The best way to learn to swim is to adopt a positive attitude and keep practicing!

People learn to swim at a different pace based on any number of factors, the vast majority of which are psychological.  One reason is a fear of the water that may be a result of a past traumatic experience or because of an awareness of balance and coordination problems. Another reason could simply be a lack of previous opportunity.

Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that learning to swim is a gradual process, so do not panic if you do not pick things up straight away. The Amateur Swimming Association’s (ASA) own research indicates that one in five adults (20%) across the country is unable to swim. That’s over 5.6 million adults, so it’s important not to panic and remember that you are not alone.

Its official, entry to the British Gas Great London Swim 2011 is now open. However, as I look outside at the thick blanket of snow that’s brought the country to its knees, the thought of donning my swimming costume and jumping in the River Thames at the rejuvenated Royal London Docks is the last thing on my mind.

Sorry to sound like such a wet blanket but I’m more your indoor swimmer (unless I’m holidaying in sunnier climes of course). However, I remember the 2010 event well, from the safety of my viewpoint in the Crowne Plaza London Docklands hotel, the atmosphere was phenomenal. More than 5,000 swimmers ranging from first timers to Olympic champions taking this rare opportunity to participate in the biggest outdoor swim in the South of England to raise money for charity.

The Great London Swim is actually one of 5 televised events. Sponsored by British Gas the other locations of the Great Swim are Suffolk, Salford, Windermere and Strathclyde with a total of over 20,000 signing up in 2010.

The Great London Swim or any of the other locations are an ideal opportunity to swim in clean lakes, lochs or docks around the UK in a safe and supervised environment, get fit and raise money for charity.

There are three distances to choose from, half a mile, one mile or two miles.

And if you’re still not sure, here’s 5 facts collated by the ASA on the benefits of cold water swimming.

1. Fight off the Flu! Cold water activates the immune system increasing white blood cell count and boosting immune system function.

2. Get a natural high! Winter swimmers talk about the sense of wellbeing they get from swimming in cold water. The reason? Endorphins.

3. Being cold sends the blood to your organs giving your heart a good workout. It helps flush out circulation and even exfoliates your skin!

4.  Lose the fat! Swimming in cold water makes your body work twice as hard to keep you warm and burn more calories in the process.

5.  Relax! Studies show 1 minute after immersion in cold water the body produces heat known as ;instant free heat’ relaxing the entire body

With Christmas and the New Year only a few weeks away we at Love to Swim are already discussing what goals we want to achieve in 2011 be it financial, health or otherwise. Like most of the population health and fitness are prominent and we consider ourselves fortunate to be involved in a sport and hobby that has a wide range of benefits suitable for all.

Regular swimming works the whole body and is considered the best form of  exercise as you move in all directions. Cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility improves and helps to keep your bones, joints and the cartilages healthy. It’s also a very easy exercise for those who wish to keep themselves fit without joining a gym.

Not only does swimming  keep the body healthy and help in losing weight and keep you slim but also helps to improve and soothe the mind. Swimming is helpful for those who are suffering with back pain and is one of the only exercises pregnant women can accomplish with ease due to the weightless environment which helps prevent the risk of injury.

So if you are interested in improving your swimming or know someone that would benefit from a few lessons give us a call on 0845 676 9192

What a great day. One of our part-time swimming teachers is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide employed by the ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) to organise guided tours around the Olympic Site.

The security to enter the site is similar to that of airport security. Names registered in advance and photo ID for anyone over 16 years of age. Past the name and ID check point bags, coats and metal items were placed on a conveyor belt to be X-rayed. I’m quite surprised my big earrings didn’t set the alarm, although my bag did have to be searched as I’d come straight from teaching and was full of lotions and potions which raised an eyebrow!

The first thing that amazed me was the sheer scale of the site, apparently 3 times the size of Hyde Park. The Olympic Park will be home to the Aquatics Centre, Olympic Stadium, Velodrome, Basketball Arena, Handball Arena, BMX Circuit, Hockey Centre, Water Polo Arena and Olympic Village.

Not all the structures are permanent, and even the ones that are have been built to be scaled down post event. The Aquatics Centre will be the ‘gateway’ to the Olympic Park, with more than two-thirds of spectators expected to enter the Olympic Park over a vast bridge that runs over the top of part of the venue that will also connect to the new Westfield Shopping Centre, the largest shopping centre in Europe.

The Olympic Park will be easily accessible to members of the public with riverside gardens, markets, events, cafes and bars planned to create a vibe similar to that of the South Bank. Talks are currently taking place with football clubs West Ham and Tottenham Hotspurs as to who gets the Olympic Stadium for their training ground.

The Olympic Village will house over 10,000 official athletes and officials during the games which will be converted in to 2,800 homes after the Games of which 50% will be affordable housing. There’s also a school and medical centre in the process of being built.

The whole tour lasted about an hour and was very informative, so if you get a chance why not contact Karen Eastland at http://www.touristguides.org.uk and check her availability.

And here’s a few photo’s (although not very good!)

Just had to share!

What a week, it’s hard to know where to begin! A big thank you is certainly in order for all those who attended the ‘Love to Swim’ fund raising event in aid of Bliss the special care baby charity. We raised a staggering £4000. The evening kicked off with private swimming lessons for adults in the Crowne Plaza Docklands hotel pool followed by special guest speaker Kevin Green, as seen on C4′s The Secret Millionaire and an auction.

I also had the pleasure of having Louise Lewis from LouiseKellyDesigns staying over for 3 days who kindly donated a £400 bespoke wedding stationery voucher to the auction. Louise drove over from Wales on the Monday for the event and then got dragged round the Tate Gallery on the South Bank most of the following day before spending the evening networking at the London Entrepreneurial Meet in Victoria. Which was a really nice night as both Louise and I got to catch up with friends who had kindly come along to support the ‘Love to Swim’ launch the previous night.

Miranda Leslau’s PR training day was another early start on Wednesday but well worth it. A highly educational day on the do’s and don’t of PR. Miranda has worked with many high profile names and is an expert in her field. She also had two exceptional speakers, one being a high flyer lawyer and the other being none other than mister Kevin Green our not so secret millionaire.

After 3 days of early mornings and late nights I think I deserve a day off for good behaviour