A CAMPAIGN in Pendle urging both young and old to become more confident in the water is hoping to make a ‘splash’ over the summer months.

Bosses at Pendle Leisure Trust are hopeful that residents will brush up on their swimming skills at their three public baths as part of the ‘Take The Plunge’ initiative.

Not only are they trumpeting the health benefits of learning the front crawl or breast-stroke but highlighting, with the borough littered with reservoirs, rivers and the Leeds Liverpool Canal, how staying afloat can ensure people can remain safe.

And the organisation has pledged to slash the price of the average swim at their pools in Nelson, Colne and West Craven to provide an extra incentive.

The price will be £1 per person or £2 for a group of four, every Sunday at Colne’s Pendle Leisure Centre, from July 6, and every Saturday at West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick, from July 4. Usual prices are £4.60 for adults and £2.90 for youngsters.

Trust chief executive Phil Storey said: “The cost of swimming has been seen as a barrier to some people, but we are going to make it affordable for everyone by introducing some ridiculously low prices on certain days.

“And we are going to make it a fun way to spend quality leisure time with your friends and family with lots of activities, initiatives and challenges.

“Also, being able to swim can be a life-saver, especially with summer approaching and the temptation to jump into lakes, reservoirs and rivers to cool off, so we will be offering crash courses and lessons in swimming. Basically, think water and we will be doing it.”

Early morning and late night swims are being offered, to cater for the working population.

The specialist classes on offer will range from aquanatal and aquababes, for mothers-to-be and new mums, to snorkelling and inflatable sessions for youngsters.