The Swim for Health scheme – a programme run by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) in partnership with the Department of Health (DoH), and Hull and East Riding Council – has been officially launched after a year-long pilot.

The programme – which is being funded by the Department of Health at a cost of £250,000 over three years – has the remit of improving the health of the community through water-based activity.

The programme has helped drive the inclusion of Aquafit classes in GP referral schemes, introduced swimming lessons for elderly people and supported swimming development.

The project has been used as a pathfinder scheme for the national Everyday Swim programme, which has health improvement as part of its agenda, explained Everyday Swim ambassador, Duncan Goodhew: “The learning from this project has influenced national projects. I’m really excited about seeing what can be achieved in the future.”

Hull University, the Humber Sports Partnership and the Public Health Directorate were also announced as new partners.