One of the most important factors about swimming is that as well as being good for your body and relaxing for the mind, it is also fun! Five times World Championship winner and eight times world record breaker, Mark Foster only learnt to swim so he could mess around in the sea with his friends, and look where it got him - to the Olympics four times!

However, if you don't want to go to the Olympics but are still interested in swimming, then now is the perfect time to start. Beginning in February most Birmingham City Council pools will have a family swimming session every Sunday morning. To find out more, contact your nearest pool for details.

There's plenty of fun to be had with Fin the dolphin and his pals on the Strokes programme. You can work your way through the progression system, improve your technique and collect the badges and certificates. It's a great way to make new friends too.

Children's Strokes courses run throughout the year and cost just £31 for each 12-week course. (Children on Birmingham's Passport to Leisure scheme pay just £18.60.) Individual tuition is also available.

It's not only children who benefit. There are currently around 400 adults taking lessons with adult Strokes. Some are complete beginners. Others simply want to improve their techniques.

Useful Links

Swimming Pools Map

BBC Sport Academy

Fun Food Facts

Strokes