Nurse backs Swim for Free campaign (From Dorset Echo)

Nurse backs Weymouth and Portland Swim for Free campaign

9:14am Friday 13th March 2009 in Campaigns By Harry Hogger

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EXPERIENCED nurse Diana Lane says free swimming for pensioners and children in Weymouth and Portland would offer a wealth of health benefits.

Mrs Lane, who has been a nurse for over 40 years, is backing Age Concern and the Dorset Echo’s Swim For Free campaign as she feels Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has been ‘short sighted’ in rejecting a scheme for free swimming for over-60s and under-16s.

She said: “I just feel it is such a good idea that the Government is willing to fund free swimming for the under-16s and over-60s.

“What a fantastic start to getting the population more healthy and fit. I cannot understand the council being so negative regarding this opportunity.”

Mrs Lane said the free swimming scheme could also help save public money in the long run as it could lead to a fitter population and ease the strain on local health services.

“There is a bonus to this scheme, that if they keep the elderly fit and gets others fitter this would relieve the local healthcare service and the NHS financially.”

She added: “I am a nurse and am only too aware of the benefits of exercise, and swimming in particular, as it is a non-weight bearing exercise it helps with mobility, stiff joints and arthritis as well as some cardiovascular problems.

“In these difficult financial times pensioners are seeing their incomes dramatically decrease due to the very low rates of interest their savings come in.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if those pensioners who already enjoy swimming may have to give up because of the drop in their incomes.”

Mrs Lane said that, in an age where childhood obesity has become a high-profile problem, free swimming could provide immeasurable benefits – even if the Government is only offering to provide funding for two years.