Swimming is great for the body - fact. 
Swimming is also great for mental wellbeing, community cohesion and for our local and national economy.
As a universally accessible sport, swimming can reach so many people and be enjoyed by people of all ages. I have enjoyed teaching grandchildren to swim while seeing grandparents swimming to keep active.
Swimming has the power to help people live longer, better, happier lives. In our local case, it can put people in touch with nature as we paddle and bob in the sea.
Turning to the economy, every £1 invested in grassroots sport and leisure returns £4 to the economy. Ageing pools and a lack of investment from local councils are contributing to a sharp decline in access to swimming.
I join Swim England in calling for long-term capital investment, greater access to outdoor high-quality bathing water and integration between health and leisure sectors.
This also means ensuring that there is interconnected work to improve our bathing waters - bringing our water companies, local council and environment agency together with swimming clubs and water sports groups together for the greater good.
Swimmers can take confidence that I am matching their stroke.
