The National Sports Centre in Douglas is providing new swimming lessons during the summer holidays aimed at the pre-school children of working parents. The Nemo classes will be held alternate Saturdays from 30 July for children starting primary school in September this year, and from 6 August for those starting school in September 2012. Pauline Glennon, swimming lesson co-ordinator at the NSC, said: ‘We have around 700 children of all ages participating in swimming lessons at the NSC during term time plus classes for mothers and babies from six months. However, we are aware there is a group of children who may not have been able to attend if their parents work full-time and the Nemo class has been arranged to cater for them.’ The Nemo classes cost ?4.00 per session, bookable in advance. Each class will run from 10am to 10.30am on the following Saturdays: For children starting primary school in September 2011: 30 July, 13 and 27 August. For children starting primary school in September 2012: 6 and 20 August plus 3 September. The waiting list for all swimming lessons commencing in September is also open. There are current vacancies in the pre-school classes held midday to 1.30pm weekdays, plus availability in most Saturday classes including beginners, improvers and advanced. Additionally, parents can book a week long swimming crash course for children of primary school age, costing ?23.25 and running each week of the school holidays, either 9am to 9.30am or 9.30am to 10am. There are limited places available in the 9am sessions for children starting primary school in September this year. Pauline added: ‘The NSC is a centre of excellence with all swimming teachers fully qualified to national teaching standards. Some of the children who learned to swim here went on to take the rookie lifeguard lessons, and some have returned as employed lifeguards. Whatever level you are at, swimming lessons are a good way to have fun while exercising. ‘Swimming is a life skill, essential for people living on an Island, and has the benefit of not being an expensive sport, requiring only a swimming costume. It’s not elitist or competitive but is good for fitness and for family fun, especially coming into holiday season.’ For more information and bookings phone 688588 or see the website: http://www.gov.im/sport/nsc/swimming/lessons.xml ENDS