Almost Half Of Uk Adults Never Visit A Swimming Pool

Sept. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- The UK’s leading swimming teaching organisation is hoping for a post-Olympic and Paralympic surge in the numbers taking up swimming after nearly half of UK adults admitted they never go to a public pool.

Despite the myriad health benefits that swimming provides, 42 per cent of those who were questioned by STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association) – and more over 55s than anyone – confessed that they never went to a swimming baths.

Roger Millward, Chief Executive of the STA, which commissioned the survey, said he was disappointed in the figure and hoped that more adults would take up swimming and water-based exercise following the success of the London 2012 Games.

Of the 2,013 people who responded to the online survey, 848 over 18s said they avoided public pools - that is less than 1 in 3 adults. The figure was highest among the over 55s, where 1 in 2 respondents said they did not go to swimming pools.

1 in 5 said they only a visited a pool less than once a year, while 1 in 4 said they swam once a month or more. Just one per cent said they went swimming every day.

“The benefits of swimming and exercising in the water are manifold,” explains Mr Millward. “It doesn’t matter how fit you are when you start, you will soon find that your fitness levels increase quickly when you build up the number of lengths you complete in the pool.

“Swimming is a great form of low impact exercise and it burns more calories than many other sports, but not only that it is a great sport to enjoy with the all the family.

“I really hope that people have been inspired by seeing the elite athletes in London and will want to take up swimming once more, and enjoy the benefits.”

The unique physical properties of water provide an ideal environment for exercise, he says.
The natural buoyancy of the water reduces weight-bearing stress, allowing a greater ease of movement with less strain on bones, joints and muscles.

Whether you are looking to improve your cardiovascular endurance or rehabilitate a chronic source of pain, exercising in the water can help. It is also one of only a few sports that can be undertaken by anyone, regardless of height, weight and build, size or age.

For further information visit www.sta.co.uk



NOTES FOR EDITORS
A total of 2,013 people were surveyed online by Opinium for STA. The surveys were completed in August / September 2012.

About STA
STA is one of the world’s largest swim teaching and lifesaving organisation, and delivers the highest quality training across four key business areas - Swimming Teaching, Lifesaving, First Aid and Leisure Management.  As a multi-service provider, STA are experts in the development and delivery of the highest quality vocational training and offer a comprehensive range of accredited qualifications and awards.  


For further editorial information please contact:
Samantha Stewart
Imagine Communications