The number of people swimming in Sheffield is higher than the average attendances across the region and nationally, according to figures from national governing body, Sport England.

Nearly 16 per cent of people in Sheffield swim at least once a month, compared to less than 10 per cent for each of the other sports polled.

These latest statistics, which show that Sheffield’s swimming participation is three per cent higher than both the Yorkshire and England average, have been taken from Sport England’s Local Sport Profiles - developed to help local authorities in England generate a sporting profile for their area, bringing together data on sporting participation and provision.

Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which operates pools at eight venues across the city - including Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, voted one of the country’s best pools – say their hard work to increase swimming participation figures in recent years is reaping rewards. 

SIV has launched initiatives including offering free swimming to children on its swimming lesson programme and free swims for adults attending with a child having lessons, as well as continuously reviewing its timetables to cater for different user groups.

Steve Brailey chief executive at SIV, said: “Health is increasingly on the Government’s agenda and we are constantly working to increase sport and physical activity participation, so it’s fantastic to see a rise in the number people taking to the pools across the city. The last report showed Sheffield was behind Yorkshire and national statistics – but this time we are well ahead.

“Swimming has a universal appeal because people of all ages and abilities can take part and at SIV we cater for everyone, whether you are new to the water or an experienced swimmer, old or young.

“We hope to see this rise in participation continue, particularly as we as a nation gear up for London 2012 when people will no doubt be inspired by our country’s top sporting stars.”

SIV recently announced that it had seen swim figures increase by more than six per cent across four months from 144,401 to 153,356 across the same months in 2011, despite national statistics showing that there has been a decline in the number of people swimming.

According to the Sport Profile report, the city is also a hub for athletics, with participation levels outstripping the average across Yorkshire and the Humber and England, boosted by SIV’s athletics development scheme and world-class facilities.

SIV recently introduced the lifeCARD, which includes various swimming offers, both leisure and lane. Fitness Unlimited, SIV’s health and fitness membership scheme, also includes access to its pools.

SIV operates venues in Sheffield including Concord Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Westfield Sports Centre.

For more information about aquatics at SIV, including swimming lessons, lane swimming and leisure swimming, visit www.sivltd.com/swimming.