MP Stephen Ladyman made a splash when he took the opportunity to see children enjoy a Southern Water Learn to Swim session.

Dr Ladyman, MP for Thanet South, visited Ramsgate swimming pool in Kent where each year, more than 600 children learn to swim.

The squad from a local swimming club which competes at county, regional and national level were in training at the pool during Dr Ladyman’s visit.

Dr Ladyman, who was joined on the visit by Southern Water’s Water Operations Manager, Jon Crooke, also learned about the high demand for pool time and the need for a new swimming pool to serve the area.

Bettina Bunte, Learn to Swim instructor and co-ordinator, said: "The scheme has attracted such large numbers of children, that there is now an 18-month waiting list for its lessons.

"Living on the coast means it is imperative that children learn to swim as it is the only sport that actually saves lives each year. The pool is very well used but is falling down and in desperate need of refurbishment or replacement."

Dr Ladyman recognised the demands made on Ramsgate pool and congratulated the staff for maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Dr Ladyman, said: "Unfortunately these vital community resources never make money despite being in constant use. We need to find a way to ensure that every child has access to a pool so that they can learn to swim in order to meet the Government's target of every child being able to swim by the age of 11. Building learner pools within schools may be one option".

The Southern Water Learn to Swim scheme teaches children aged 4-12 at more than 70 pools and clubs throughout Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.