School pool Residents are invited to take the plunge at a brand new pool. Hallsville Primary School in Canning Town has volunteered to host a community pool which is open to the public six days a week until 6 December. And if you want to enjoy a dip you don’t have to splash out, with swim sessions costing £2. The new Make a Splash mobile swimming pool, delivered by Total Swimming, provides free swimming lessons to Hallsville Primary and other neighbouring schools in the borough. Throughout the week there are also a range of timetabled sessions open to the community. The 12 by six metre pool is accessible to all ages and abilities and there are changing facilities and toilets on site. The pool was officially opened by Team GB synchronised swimmers Katie Dawkins and Katie Skelton. They spoke to children about taking part in the Olympics and what it takes to be an elite swimmer. Katie Skelton said: “I’ve been doing synchro since I was about seven. You’ve got to enjoy it, you’ve got to have a passion for it otherwise it becomes a chore.” The pair also tested out the pool by giving a special synchronised swimming le lesson to the children.
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“My top two ways of swimming are the backstroke and the butterfly be because I’m re really g good a at it.”
“Swimming is exercise and it keeps you fit. It’s also important. If there was a flood you’d be able to y swim, save yourself and not drown – that’s whatt my dad told me.”
“This is my first time having swimming ke lessons. I like swimming at school. I fun It’s b u because you g to swim get w your friends.” iends ” with
Dive in The Make a Splash pool will be at Hallsville Primary School, Radland Road, E16 until 6 December. Swimming sessions include adult and toddler, women only, casual swimming and more. As part of the Sportivate programme, the pool also holds sessions aimed at residents aged between 14 and 24. Sessions cost £2. Bookings should be made online. For more information visit www.makeasplashlondon.org