Notts Olympian Rebecca Adlington inspiring kids to find their fins

Video: Rebecca Adlington denotes the importance of learning to swim

Rebecca Adlington is one of the best swimmers Britain has ever had, now the retired Olympian encouraging kids to take to the pool to learn what she believes is a vital life skill.

After eight years of actively encouraging people to become involved in her sport, Adlington is the leading lady in setting up ‘Swim stars’, a programme that encourages kids to become confident in the water.

The 27-year-old former gold medallist said: “The statistics absolutely shock me in the swimming world, 50% of children in the UK leave school unable to swim. It is so important to get that life skill element through to people.”

The swimming legend holds two bronze and two gold medals respectively after competing in the Beijing and London Olympic Games.

Using her Olympic success, Adlington hopes to take the inspiring message of London 2012 to encourage a generation of youngsters to find their fins.

The medallist went on to say that this is a vital life skill and although she would love to inspire kids to compete, what is most important is that they learn the skill.

“IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO GET THAT LIFE SKILL ELEMENT THROUGH TO PEOPLE”

“It’s a skill before it’s a sport. It is so important for me that these kids have fun in the water.”

Rebecca wants anyone interested to know that you do not have to be an Olympic athlete to come along! Swim stars is for all people of all capabilities and is all about having fun in the water!