Gail Porter and Olympic swimmer, Keri-anne Payne took to the water last week at Hackney's Clissold Leisure Centre to launch a new campaign to get the Capital to Schwim Free as it limbers up for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Schwim Free, the campaign from Schweppes Abbey Well, the official water of the London 2012 Olympic Games, offers Londoners a complimentary swim at any of the 40 pools across the capital operated by sports trust Greenwich Lesure (GLL).

Residents can splash about for free by simply exchanging their Schweppes Abbey Well 'Sch...wim cap' (bottle cap) at participating GLL leisure centres Monday to Friday.

To get into the schwim of things, Keri-anne, who has high hopes for the London 2012 Olympic Games, put Gail through her paces in the pool with a swimming challenge, followed by expert tips and advice on her technique.

Gail Porter is working with Schweppes Abbey Well, to encourage more adults to get involved with swimming as a fun way to get active.

She said: "I like to stay fit and healthy and keep active. Swimming is one of my favourite ways to do this and you don't need to be a professional to enjoy it. With 40 fantastic GLL pools across the Capital, there's a Free Schwim just around the corner so there's no excuse for Londoners not to get involved!"

Swimming is one of the nation's favourite sports, but currently, only 6 per cent of Londoners swim regularly which is one of the lowest rates in the country . Through the Schwim Free initiative Keri-Anne and Gail hope to boost this figure and show Londoners that regular swimming is not only a splashtastic way to exercise, but also good fun.

What's more, if you love swimming you can join GLL Swim London to get unlimited swimming sessions for only £26 per month.

Olympic medallist, Keri-anne Payne said: "Whether you choose front crawl, breaststroke or doggy paddle, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise as it has no impact on your joints and provides a full body work out.

"With the Olympic Games drawing ever closer there's never been a better time to get into the water which is why I'm supporting Schwim Free at GLL pools."

Andrew Clark, Swimming Development Manager at GLL said, "Swimming is a great way to get fit and embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. GLL is delighted to be working with Schweppes Abbey Well on the Schwim Free campaign. We hope that the initiative will encourage many Londoners to get into the water for the first time, while established swimmers will have the chance to visit a fantastic range of facilities, conveniently located and for free."

Zoe Howorth, GB Brand Director Schweppes explains: "Schweppes Abbey Well is committed to promoting an active lifestyle and is the official water of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Last year 45,000 free swims were redeemed and we're hoping to blow this figure out of the water in 2010. Through Free Schwims we hope to encourage Londoners to make a positive change to their lifestyle and really see and feel the benefit of swimming."