WHATEVER your age or ability, it's never too late to dive in and go for a swim.

That's the message from Ian Stevenson, swimming coach at Glasgow Club Easterhouse, who says swimming is great exercise and fun for all ages.

"Swimming is a really good aerobic exercise, it supports the body well," explains Ian.

"It is a great opportunity for people with stiff muscles or sore joints to exercise without putting pressure on their body."

He adds: "We have a lot of people who come to the adult classes who are overweight and it really helps them, it improves the heart condition and flexibility."

With swimming classes for all ages, from pre-schoolers to pensioners, the Glasgow Life facilities are first class, says the 63-year-old from Anniesland.

Children can work their way through six stages of swimming classes. For adults there are opportunities for complete beginners as well as those with a slight ability.

"Swimming has really taken off in Glasgow and the facilities are absolutely fantastic. We have really good segregated areas where we take the children who are quite small - they can stand up.

"We also have larger pools so, as swimming classes improve, they can go into the bigger pools. And we have lane markings, which separates us from the public."

Glasgow Life is going to great lengths to help readers get active this month. Why not challenge yourself to swim 2014 metres in the year the Commonwealth Games comes to the city and see the difference it makes to your fitness?

Glasgow Life is giving away a free swim to every Evening Times readers as part of our Active 2014 campaign. We want to encourage as many people as possible to make a splash at their local pool and enjoy what is sure to be one of the most exciting sports at the Games.

Glasgow Life operates swimming pools throughout the city, including Games competition venue Tollcross International Swimming Centre. The venues are open seven days a week, with some opening from 6.30am until 9.45pm.

The pools are used by people of all ages and abilities, but there is plenty room for more swimmers and staff will welcome people with free coupons which are valid this month.

The voucher, which will be printed three times this month in the Evening Times, will also be available online. Readers can then enjoy a free swim at the Bellahouston, Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Gorbals, Maryhill, Pollok, Scotstoun, Springburn, and Whitehill Glasgow Club pools.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of swimming activities lined up for youngsters in Glasgow Sport's Spring Holiday programme. It runs at six city pools April 7-18 and includes snorkelling, lifeguard taster sessions, inflatables and water cannons. Visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/HolidayActivityProgramme/Pages/Pool-Activities.aspx

Glasgow Life also runs swimming lessons for children. For youngsters aged five and over there are six different levels, which take them from complete beginner, in the Seahorses, right through to accomplished swimmer in the Sharks.

The next block of classes runs until May 31 and bookings can be made until April 6. It's easy to get your child signed up. Just pop down to your local centre and book in at reception.

Glasgow Sport has now introduced a new programme of lessons for children aged six months to five years old. These small classes are delivered by expert coaches and involve fun activities that introduce children to the water and build confidence while helping with physical development. The classes are the perfect stepping stone to the main Learn to Swim programme.

To find out more about Glasgow Sport swimming initiatives, call our freephone Active 2014 call centre on 0808 111 2014 or email info@active2014.org, including your name and telephone number.

To claim your free swim, fill in the coupon on this page and take it along to the Glasgow Club pool of choice. The voucher can also be downloaded by visiting: www.eveningtimes.co.uk