A staggering 9,000 adults in Oldham have benefitted from free swimming lessons over the course of the last decade.

Oldham Active first launched its adult 'learn to swim' pathway in 2012 with the aim to take non-swimmers through to being able to swim 10 metres and learn key lifesaving water skills.

In the past 11 years, the initiative has seen 9,197 adults take part and learn how to swim.

Oldham Active currently runs eight free 25-minute classes each week across three of its sites.

Each week, an estimated 30 adults benefit from its free classes and once the learners progress to successfully swimming 10 meters, they can move onto Oldham Active's weekly intermediate lessons, if they wish, for £26.99 a month.

Marion Foster, a former print worker from Greenacres joined the free programme over a year ago.

The 72-year-old said: "I’m so pleased that I am learning to swim. It’s been a really positive experience for me. 

"I had a few swimming lessons as a schoolgirl, but I hadn’t really swam since.

"I wanted to get fitter, as I had been struggling with poor health, including suffering with two mini-strokes, sepsis and arthritis in my leg. 

"Due to my health and mobility issues, I felt swimming might be a good exercise option for me.  I was naturally nervous when I started, but my teacher and the team at Oldham Leisure Centre have been fantastic and encouraging - they have really helped me out.”

After her 10 free sessions, Marion signed up for more lessons and attends twice a week for a group session and a one-to-one class.

She added: "When I first started I needed three armbands.

"I’m still not a confident swimmer, but I am improving all the time and I’m really determined. 

"Since starting my lessons I have lost three and half stone in weight and I feel much better, healthier, happier and more mobile.

"I love the feeling of being in the water and am so pleased I am doing something for myself in my retirement.”

Julie Minch, who has worked as a swimming teacher for Oldham Active for 23 years, said she has found the initiative a "success" having personally taught hundreds of Oldhamers how to swim.

The 44-year-old added: "There is nothing embarrassing about not being able to swim.

"There are many reasons, including financial and cultural barriers. 

"Swimming is such a wonderful form of exercise and anyone can do it, including those with mobility and health issues.

"Many of the people who join our free lessons have come to us as their NHS physiotherapist has recommended swimming to help with a particular health complaint."

The teacher said while many first-timers are nervous when they first start and lack "water confidence", the friendly environment of the group helps people to relax and gently pick up the skill.

"We also teach potentially lifesaving skills, including the ability to float and tread water.

“I love being a swimmer teacher, and even after doing it for so long I still find it so rewarding.

"I always enjoy seeing learners, of any age, progress, it makes me feel proud and emotional", she added.

Simon Blair, head of business development at Oldham Active, also stressed the importance of swimming for health benefits and said learning the skill could save a life.

He continued: “We are proud of the long-term success of this programme, and of all our 9,197 'learn-to-swim' adults.

"It’s never too late to learn a new skill, and whilst we do have a waiting list for the free lessons, we encourage people to get in touch with our centres if they are interested.”