Jodie Kidd Encourages Children To Swim

Celebrity mum-to-be Jodie Kidd is encouraging people to enjoy swimming like never before this summer, at the British Gas Big Dip in London and Manchester.
 
The British Gas Big Dip will be the UK’s ultimate urban swimming festival with a purpose built 25 metre pool and adjoining beach as its centre-piece.
 
The model and former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star, who is 6 month’s pregnant with her first child, will visit the festival when it opens in London this weekend. She says it will be a fabulous day out for all the family.
 
Jodie Kidd said: "The British Gas Big Dip will be a really fun summer festival which is all about having a great time in the water with family and friends.
 
"It’s a fantastic way to get active and enjoy swimming outdoors in the heart of London and Manchester; and there will be lots of activities for everyone both in and out of the pool."
 
Jodie, who is also a talented sportswoman, revealed her impressive swimming skills when she took part in the mile-long British Gas Great London Swim in the River Thames last July. She is a big fan of the sport and believes it’s both a fun leisure activity and an important life skill.
 
Jodie said: "I have always enjoyed swimming and found it a great way to keep in shape, both for my modelling work and general fitness.
 
"As a mother-to-be I was shocked to find out that one in five children in the UK can’t swim by the time they leave primary school.

"With swimming lessons available, the British Gas Big Dip is an ideal opportunity to teach youngsters to swim in an exciting and unique setting."
 
The British Gas Big Dip takes place on Clapham Common in London from 18th June to 17th July and at Spinningfields, Manchester from 30th July to 29th August.
 
Water based activities will include swimming, aquafit, aquazumba and water polo. While events such as volleyball, yoga, pilates and children’s competitions will take place on dry land.
 
Tickets cost just £3 per adult, which includes free admittance for up to two children aged 12 and under.
 
Olympic swimming bronze medallist Steve Parry is in charge of logistics for the British Gas Big Dip, which is aiming to build on the success of a 2009 project, on the south bank of the River Thames in London which taught over 2,000 people to swim in just four weeks.
 
British Gas Brand Director, Andrew Hogan said: "As part of our commitment to support British Swimming's ambition to inspire the nation to swim, The British Gas Big Dip will provide a fun and active day out for all the family.

"Everyone is welcome and British Gas customers will also receive a voucher on arrival to allow them to take part in one of the extra activities for free."