SWIMMERS can take the plunge and learn lifesaving skills at two borough leisure centres.

The Royal Life Saving Society is running lifeguard courses at Halesowen Leisure Centre and Stourbridge's Crystal Leisure Centre.

The course will run between 9am and 5.30pm from February 19 to 23 at Halesowen, with an exam taking place on the Friday.

In Stourbridge, the course will take place from February 20 to 23 between 12.30pm and 9.30pm and 7.30am to 5pm on February 24, with an exam taking place on the Saturday.

People will receive a course manual and special tuition, plus those who successfully complete the course will get an official lifeguard qualification and certificate.

The courses are open to people aged 16 and over and cost £245.

Spaces must be pre-booked with a deposit required to secure a place. The remaining balance is to be paid before the course starts.

People will also be expected to take a pre-arranged swimming test.

For more information, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/sport or to provisionally book a place call 01384 812800.