To mark the occasion Scottish Swimming, in partnership with Falkirk Community Trust and the Great Scottish Swim, have organised four one-hour come and try open water swimming sessions this Sunday.

The first session is aimed at those who can swim, but have never made the transition from pool to the open water, while there are also sessions for intermediate swimmers and those with more experience of swimming in open water.

They will be coach-led and held in a safe and supportive environment at the Helix Lagoon, which is part of an outdoor recreational area that has been transformed into an urban green space between Falkirk and Grangemouth.

"It's a fantastic facility and certainly a great one for open water training," said Payne, who followed her open water silver medal at Beijing 2008 with World Championship titles in 2009 and 2011.

"It's quite small around the outside so coaches can walk around the whole of the outside and see what's going on.

"It's fairly shallow as well so there is no treading water and people can stay in a lot longer.

"I would certainly say to come down to the Helix and try it out.

"Bring your wetsuit, if you think it will be a little cold but the only way you are going to do it is to just go out there and get it done."

The Helix Park Lagoon will provide swimmers of all abilities the opportunity to take part in open water swimming ©Scottish Swimming




While the first four sessions taking place this Sunday are fully booked, plans are in place to provide further open water come and try sessions in the future.

"The Helix is a fantastic new venue which is perfect for open water swimming," said chief executive of Scottish Swimming, Forbes Dunlop.

"Athletes like Keri-Anne have given the sport considerable profile since its inclusion in the Olympics in 2008 and we know there is growing demand for such facilities, which provide a safe environment for the public to take the plunge.

"Coach-led sessions are a great way for people to get into the sport and enjoy swimming with likeminded people in this unique facility."

More information on the Come and Try Sessions can be found by clicking here.

Entry is now also open for the annual Great Scottish Swim set to take place in Loch Lomond on August 23.


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