Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has recently launched a new programme aimed at getting over 60s into the swimming pool.
Aqua Legends, an innovative free 12-week swimming course, is due to start next month in Enniskillen and Omagh and will be available at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Omagh Leisure Complex.
The programme, which is funded by the Public Health Agency as part of its Healthy Towns West Programme, consists of swim instruction and aqua-based activities and will be overseen by qualified instructors.
Errol Thompson, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: “Two key outcomes of the Fermanagh and Omagh 2030 Community Plan are to improve the wellbeing of all the people of the district and to help older people lead more independent and engaged lives.
"The Aqua Legends programme embraces both outcomes. In these most challenging times, being physically active is more important than ever for our health and wellbeing.
"This programme has in previous years proved extremely popular and I am confident that it will once again attract significant interest.
"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to be, once again, working in partnership with the Public Health Agency to facilitate the Aqua Legends programme to encourage participation in water-based activity for those aged over 60.”
PHA's Colette Brolly said: “A great way to get active is to do something you like and that’s why this programme offers the opportunity to take part in an activity that you enjoy but might not have done in a number of years, or, if you’ve never given it a go, to try something new.
“In line with the recommendations in the Making Life Better Public Health Framework it’s important to be physically active at each stage of our lives and, combined with eating healthily, this can help us age well and feel good.
"Regular physical activity will help you feel better, boost your immune system, reduce anxiety and stress, build strength in your muscles and bones to improve your mobility, help improve your balance and improve your sleep.”
Registration for the Aqua Legends programme is available at both Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen from Friday August 27.
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