SWIMMING and water polo sessions are riding a crest of a wave at Dorchester Sports Centre.
The centre, operated by 1610, has announced that it's decision to expand its swimming lessons programmes earlier in the year had led to an all time high in levels of children taking up swimming lessons at the venue.
In total 1,303 children are now signed up for weekly swimming lessons at the centre, compared with 1,092 in June of this year - representing an increase of more than 200 children in just four months.
This compares to 947 children who were enrolled on the swimming school lessons programme in November 2015.
As well as the rise in the numbers of children learning to swim, the centre also boasts a highly successful water polo squad which now has 29 players selected to play for Dorset and five players selected for the South West, its most successful year to date.
Harry Wheeler from the Dorchester Sports Centre water polo squad now plays for the national side.
Harry Wheeler’s mum Tanya Wheeler and 1610 senior water polo coach at Dorchester Sports Centre Andrea Dabbs have been instrumental in developing the interest in water polo in Dorchester.
Andrea said the centre's swimming and water polo programmes are going from strength to strength.
She said: "Earlier this year we decided to expand the learn to swim programme in response to increased demand, with more lessons available as well as teachers to encourage the children in what is an essential life skill.
"It’s exciting to see swimming really take off, the improved facilities at Dorchester Sports Centre and the team of talented and dedicated coaches has really had an impact.
"Likewise, the success of the water polo squad is a testament to the hard work and talent of the staff and children involved.
"We have increased coaching times and offered specialist water polo camps with UK national level coaches which has all helped to build a first class squad.”
For more information about water polo at Dorchester Sports Centre please contact Andrea on 01305 858400.
For details of swimming lessons and other activities at the centre visit 1610.org.uk/centres/dorchester-sports-centre
CONTACT ME
t: 01305 269801
e: harry.hogger
@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @DorsetEchoHarry
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