Parents in Hounslow are being encouraged to sign their children up to make a splash at swim school this summer to learn the potentially life-saving skill.

The move follows research from the Amateur Swimming Association's (ASA) manifesto for aquatics report 2015 which revealed more than 9m adults in England are unable to swim; including 22% of females and 20% of males over the age of 14.

Fusion Lifestyle, operators of Hounslow's leisure centres, are keen to tackle the issue and get children swimming from an early age and are calling on parents to help their little ones take the plunge and get into the sport by joining their local swim club.

Swim school programmes, recognised by ASA, are available at at either Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre, Isleworth Leisure Centre and New Chiswick Pool.

Yvonne Smith, head swim teacher at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, said: “At Fusion Lifestyle we are committed to providing accessible and affordable swimming lessons to as many children and adults as possible, as we believe that swimming is an essential life skill, as well and an enjoyable and challenging sport.

"Our Swim School programme is extremely popular, and we look forward to welcoming many more learners to our pools this summer.”

Jon Glenn, head of learn to swim at the ASA, added: “Swimming isn’t just a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together; it’s a life skill that teaches children how to be safe in and around water.

"We want all children to start their swimming journey as early as possible so they can take advantage of the many health and social benefits of swimming and make it a habit for life.

“And for those adults who may have missed out on learning to swim when they were younger, it’s never too late to learn which is why it’s so great that operators such as Fusion Lifestyle are offering children and adult swimming lessons across their local sites.”

Special offer - Parents will be offered a free one-month adult membership for every child place booked on the Swim School programme via direct debit until May 20.