Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with the Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), has organised introductory open water swimming safety courses at Muckross, Kesh for May.

The courses will focus upon a wide range of open water swimming aspects, including acclimatisation, flotation, and rotation, technique, sighting and much more.

The courses consist of two one-hour coached slots across two evenings following an initial online session prior to attending the course.

The cost of each course has been subsidised by the Council and PCSP.

Speaking about the forthcoming open water swimming safety course programme, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “The Fermanagh and Omagh district has a network of lakes and waterways which are very attractive to open water swimmers.

"Each location poses its own set of challenges, of course, and I would encourage local residents to avail of the opportunity to attend one of the courses available to increase their knowledge and understanding of open water swimming.

"It is necessary and beneficial for swimmers to familiarise themselves with measures to ensure their safety."

Course places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.