Active Nottingham, part of Nottingham City Council, has released a children’s book called Can We Splash? to encourage more parents to take children swimming.

The team at Active Nottingham became aware that many families in the area have never been swimming and the book has been developed to help parents plan their first swimming trip.

“We want every child in Nottingham to enjoy swimming, reading and spending quality time with their family – having fun, creating happy memories and learning together,” said councillor and leader of Nottingham City Council, David Mellen.

The book tells the positive story of Mo and his sister Yas and the fun they had swimming with their dad at a Nottingham leisure centre.

It begins with: “It’s Saturday morning for Dad, Yas and Mo. It’s raining. It’s boring. But dad knows where to go. ‘Let’s take Mo for a swim.’ ‘Good idea,’ says Yas.”

The story then describes their swimming journey, from arrival at the leisure centre to getting ready in the changing rooms and how they enjoyed themselves in the pool.

“We understand the importance of learning to swim for every child in Nottingham,” said Eunice Campbell-Clark, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at the council. “With this book, we want to help prepare children and their families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to be able to take those first steps, have fun, a very positive experience, and enjoy learning together.”

The book is available for free to the public at Clifton Leisure Centre, Djanogly Community Leisure Centre, Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Ken Martin Leisure Centre, Southglade Leisure Centre and Victoria Leisure Centre – other partners are expected to be added.

A PDF version of Can We Splash? is accessible to families across the UK and worldwide and can be downloaded here.