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Most Maltese start swimming at a very early age, often being the unsuspecting victims of a proud father's sudden impulse to push them into the water and then jovially expect them to float.
If they don't, he is always there to jump in and show them the technique he learned, very much in the same way, from his own father. Things, however, have changed considerably over the years. Tradition has more or less given way to organised swimming schools and aquatic clubs where children and adults receive professional instruction not only on swimming but also on safety rules and first-aid methods ideal at sea.
Islanders are generally regarded as natural swimmers, but there is always need for proper training, especially in the case of visitors to the island who want to learn swimming in an easy but safe way.
Most courses take place in well-kept pools where instructors and participants have easy access to the best changing and security facilities. The second phase of most courses entails taking to the open water where the new swimmers will, for the first time, discover the joy of the sea. The idea of organised swimming classes is not to produce new Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps generations, but to offer people the opportunity to become able swimmers, to appreciate the healthy aspect of swimming and to savour the warmth and tranquillity of the Mediterranean.
What better place to learn this new skill than in Malta's inviting blue waters which are easy to reach, clean and safe all the year round?
For proper instruction on leaning to swim we suggest you contact one of Malta’s many swimming or waterpolo clubs. You can also contact the Malta Aquatic Sports Association by visiting their website www.asaofmalta.org
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