Become a waterbaby

Swimming is the nation’s most popular participation sport after walking. Fact. You often hear people say that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there. And it’s true. Because the density of the human body is very similar to that of water, the water supports the body and less stress is placed on bones and joints.

In recent months swimming has been a focus of media attention, in battles to get the nation fitter. In October the Amateur Swimming Association welcomed a government report on the long-term threat to society of increasing levels of obesity, saying sport, particularly swimming, can play a vital role in overcoming the issue.

So this week Lifesaver tried and tested for you, admittedly with a sense of excitement, the water related fun York has to offer. Thinking Olympic swimmers' toned bodies, we ditched doggy paddle for a spot of breaststroke, front crawl and backstroke.

A little research found that after a bout of refurbishment, Yearsley swimming pool on Haxby Road has reopened. Hand over £2.70 and you’ll be led to the 50m pool, surrounded by cubicles on each side, with, I kid you not, wooden doors to maintain your privacy.

There may not be all the swishy facilities of pools at larger fitness centres or gyms, but this is old school swimming fun at its best, in a clean and carefree environment. You can opt for lane swimming or open swimming, see their website for a timetable. The Edmund Wilson swimming pool, situated behind York’s train station, we are yet to visit, but it comes complete with a health and beauty suite and a gym (we'll give you an update in next week's column once we've made the trip).

For a slightly crazier all round swimming experience, there is no denying the joys of Waterworld at the leisure park at Monks Cross. Here, for the small sum of £4.50 you can enjoy one and a half hours of unmitigated water joy, being free to surf the waves, ride the slides, float the lazy river or just swim about. With 3 flume rides bearing the names ‘The Edge’ ‘Torpedo Tube’ and ‘Rapids Descent’ what are you waiting for? For £3.10 you can dive into the fitness pool, if a less adrenaline fuelled swim is what you’re after.

Fancy taking this swimming thing seriously? The key to swimming, yes as to life, is breathing. Breathing correctly can help you swim faster and feel less tired. Apparently the rule is to take in one breath and let it out over three to four strokes.

So you’ve got the pool and the technique sorted; finally, what does one wear? Well, a tie at the side bikini can stay pushed in the back of the wardrobe till next summer: what serious swimmers need is a wonderful one piece.

That tie at the side bikini can stay pushed in the back of the wardrobe till next summer: what serious swimmers need is a wonderful one piece.

Let’s see the resurrection of the bather! If you can’t bear to stretch to this, the putting on of said bather being surprisingly confusing, then a tankini is suitably conservative. We're not aiming for Baywatch here.

Sports shops and department stores stock a supply of swimming attire, and what better time of year to start up swimming, as many have them at less than half price. At Sports World at Monks Cross you’ll find a wonderful array of sporting apparel at prices that won’t break the bank. Also, department stores such as Browns and Debenhams will be able to kit you out.

What else is there left to advise you? Goggles are a must to protect those eyes from the sting of chlorine. Remember also to have lashings of conditioner at hand for the post-swimming shower. Oh, that reminds me. If, like me, you’ve not visited a swimming pool since primary school, be ready for the scary sight you will undoubtedly behold in the changing rooms. All I’m saying is that middle aged women have no shame.

If all this talk of water has whet your appetite and you want more, then visit here for links to canoeing, diving, sailing and windsurfing in York. Ditch dry land, water-based fun is, indeed, endless.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.