LIZ HAMILTON, executive headteacher, St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School, Milton Lane, Dartmouth, writes: I am writing in support of Dartmouth Indoor Swimming Pool. There are well over 630 school children within walking distance of the proposed site who would use this much needed facility. Both Dartmouth schools currently use the outdoor pool for just a few weeks per year when it is available in the second part of the summer term. Swimming is part of the school curriculum, so when the outdoor pool closes we will struggle to afford transport to take our children to Kings­bridge or Totnes pools. An indoor pool in Dartmouth would enable all our school children to learn to swim all year round, not just six lessons in June and July. Swimming is a vital life skill, especially living by the river. Private swimming lessons are incredibly expensive, especially if you include public transport costs to Kingsbridge or Totnes on top. The pool would also be welcomed by many of the local clubs, including Brownies, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers etc. If swimming lessons rely on the school budget, then swimming will only be provided for the non-swimmer and swimming should be a provision for all. Swimming is a great way of keeping fit and if children are encouraged to swim from an early age, then it is likely to be something that they participate in for life. With rising childhood obesity levels, it is imperative that we encourage our children to adopt healthy and active lifestyles from an early age.