Non-swimmers aged 11 to 19 are being encouraged to take advantage of free swimming lessons offered by Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL).

Funded by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, all new swimmers will also be entered in to a prize draw to win a £300 laptop once they have completed their block of free lessons.

Dave Redfern, BPL's operations manager, said: "Learning to swim is a valuable skill that all young people should learn.

"Over half of our primary school children leave school without being able to swim, so this new initiative is designed to encourage young people to access swimming lessons, which will help them enjoy being in the water and enhance their safety."

The free lessons are available at Dearneside, Hoyland and Royston Leisure Centres, the Metrodome Leisure Complex and Wombwell Swimming Pool.

BPL is also currently looking at developing other free swimming initiatives to benefit local schools, young mothers, over 60s, BME groups, families, those with limited mobility and people looking to improve their general fitness.

Photograph: BPL swimming development manager Eddie Lim (left), holding the laptop prize, with Craig Gent (19) who has recently passed his 25m and 50m badges through the initiative.