21 reasons why bloggers love swimming: #BGFreeSwim

The #BGFreeSwim Twitter chat  last week, sponsored by British Gas, had people chatting about swimming. We heard stories of fun in the water in exotic locations, childhood memories and discussion on the best age for children to learn to swim. We discussed lost socks, the lack of a pound coin for lockers and the need for warmth and flattering lights. What is clear from the tweets (we’ve featured a selection below) is that swimming has loads of benefits. Have you heard about the British Gas Free Swim initiative?  Make sure you claim your British Gas Free swim today.

Bloggers love swimming because it…

Brings Families Together

1. It’s the only activity that everyone likes in my house J – Angoewright79

2. I love the way that swimming helps my kids bond – age doesn’t really count when you are splashing about! – platespinnermum

3. The best thing about swimming is that the whole family can go and enjoy it together – staffstechgirl

Is affordable

4. I love that swimming is one of the only activities where you don’t need to spend a fortune of “kit” – suburban1mummy

5. Swimming doesn’t have to be pricey. Most local authorities run an access to leisure scheme with discounts – ChelseaMamma

6. You don’t have to pay for expensive baby lessons, just take them and give them water confidence, lessons can come later -Sebsmummy

Keeps Everyone Fit

7. Having just has a baby, I’m looking forward to joining water aerobics in a few weeks and losing some baby weight – Missy_B83

8. It’s a great way to keep the kids active without them even realising it! – missmamo

9. It doesn’t hurt. Living with arthritis and hip dysplasia due to carrying LO so it helps my joints without pain – sera_mcdaid

Teaches Water Safety

10. It’s the only sport that can save children’s lives, they love it without realising –Andrea Dalziel

11. I love that my children are safe on the beach.  Big has nearly finished rookie lifeguard and swam 50 lengths – liveotherwise

Is Fun

12. Best thing about getting in the pool with the kids is the pure joy on their faces and the shrieks of excitement once we’re in – MummyWalker

13. Our local pool has a great kids’ session with noodles and floats.  Hours of shrieking fun – jhowze

14. I love taking my kids swimming, their happy faces are priceless!! Especially the flumes, can’t get them off them – Ami4Levi

Includes Special Achievements

15. I learnt to swim last year and have since completed 3 triathalons. I just booked my fourth! – LucyPapworth

16. I also hope that when they swim in years to come they can join me in Marie Curie sponsored swims! – iheartmuthahood

17. My son was proud as punch when he came home with a gold medal for swimming in the school gala – made his day J – ali991

 

…Although it does address some self-image issues

18. I have to admit … once you’ve done it for the first time with your new curves, it does get easier –goriami

19. I was size 28 when I took up swimming again.  It honestly didn’t worry me. No one is looking at you! – kyrakee

 

It Is Time to Swim

20. Best thing about swimming is you can do it regardless of the weather – pooohbear2811

21. I don’t know about you but all this swimming talk is making me feel like taking the kids swimming this afternoon –  amodernmother

Don’t forget to visit www.britishgas.co.uk/freeswimstw now to swim for free. The offer is valid until 30th August 2012.

Vouchers are valid for up to one adult and up to two children, actual number depends on chosen activity. Booking period: 13/04/12 – 30/08/12. Activities must be taken at participating pools by the date printed on the voucher. One per household. Limited availability. Conditions apply. T&Cs

Congrats to the Twitter Party winners:  @livvyssmile @clairemaccy @joanneblunt @mummy2five1