Aqua Legends Programme commencing in October at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Omagh Leisure Complex

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has recently launched the “Aqua Legends” programme, an innovative free 12-week swimming programme aimed at the “over 60s” which will commence at Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen in October 2020.

The programme, which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) as part of its Healthy Towns West Programme, under the Making Life Better framework of Empowering Healthy Living, consists of swim instruction and aqua based activities for those aged 60 years and over and will be facilitated by suitably qualified instructors.

“Aqua Legends” will commence on Tuesday 6 October 2020 at Omagh Leisure Complex at 1.10pm and Thursday 8 October 2020 at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen at 12.30pm. Each session will last 35 minutes. Participants will be required to adhere to protocols and procedures in place at each centre in relation to COVID-19 whilst attending the programme.

Speaking about the “Aqua Legends” programme, Councillor Chris Smyth, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said:

“Two key outcomes of the Fermanagh and Omagh 2030 Community Plan are to improve the wellbeing of all the people of the district and to help older people lead more independent and engaged lives. The Aqua Legends programme embraces both outcomes. In these most challenging times, being physically active is more important than ever for our health and wellbeing.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to be, once again, working in partnership with the Public Health Agency to facilitate the Aqua Legends programme to encourage participation in water-based activity for those aged over 60.

Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on physical activity, said;

“A great way to get active is to do something you like and that’s why this programme offers the opportunity to take part in an activity that you enjoy but might not have done in a number of years, or, if you’ve never given it a go, to try something new.

“In line with the recommendations in the Making Life Better Public Health Framework it’s important to be physically active at each stage of our lives and, combined with eating healthily, this can help us age well and feel good. Regular physical activity will help keep the heart and lungs working efficiently, maintain a healthy weight, keep muscles and bones strong, and help reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions including some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Being more physically active can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.”

Availability on the programme at both venues is limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Programme registration is available at both Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen from Friday 25 September 2020.

All participants will be required to complete a pre-exercise questionnaire prior to participation on the programme. There is no cost to participants for the “Aqua Legends” programme.

For tips on getting active, making healthier food choices and advice on setting yourself targets, visit www.choosetolivebetter.com