A NEW community swimming initiative is being launched by 1610, which runs the West Somerset leisure Centre in Minehead.

The Rainbow Swim Academy will use the pool at the Hoburne holiday park in Blue Anchor from September.

It is the first time that 1610 has worked in partnership with a holiday park in this way and it is hoped the initiative will allow more local children to have access to swimming lessons.

The academy will be available for children from four years of age at the park’s indoor pool, which is open to the public.

Ricky Hayes, 1610’s swim and sports development manager, said: “Swimming is a vital life skill, especially for children in an area like Minehead which is situated on the coast.

“Access to local swimming lessons is limited so 1610 believed it was important to provide a much-needed service for families in Minehead.

“Joining forces with the Hoburne Blue Anchor Holiday Park provided the solution to a local problem and one which could prove to be a springboard to an active and healthy lifestyle for West Somerset children.”

For information on the new academy, contact the West Somerset Leisure Centre on 01643 708815.