IT WAS with considerable surprise that I read that some parents are waiting for their children to attend formal swimming lessons before being taught. I had always been under the impression that it is a parent's duty to take their children swimming and tea

IT WAS with considerable surprise that I read that some parents are waiting for their children to attend formal swimming lessons before being taught.I had always been under the impression that it is a parent's duty to take their children swimming and teach them to swim, as my parents taught me, and I taught my children, as well as having lots of fun at the same time.When I have been swimming, I have seen many parents in Strode Leisure Centre in Clevedon, teaching their children to swim. So it can be done.Please parents, do not wait for formal swimming lessons. Get into the water with your children and teach them to swim - it's great fun. Remember, a child who cannot swim only has to fall into deep water once and they could drown. We live on the coast with lots of deep water all around, so being able to swim is essential for our young people.Maybe there is a rule under health and safety that now prevents parents from teaching their children to swim - but of yet, I've not heard about it.Cllr Patrick McNeill - Elton Road, Clevedon