Swim England has called for health professionals to be "more proactive" in prescribing swimming to people recovering from medical conditions.

The national governing body for swimming is urging GPs and other medical professionals to consider swimming as part of any programme of activities designed to manage patient recovery.

Swim England issued its plea as part of the Moving Medicine campaign, which looks to highlight how swimming has helped transform the physical health of a number of people across the country suffering from a variety of conditions.

“As the government and medical profession increasingly move to prescribe exercise as a conduit to improved physical health, we believe that swimming and wider aquatic activity is increasingly the answer for many people," said Elaine McNish, head of health and wellbeing at Swim England.

"We are calling on health professionals to consider prescribing swimming in ever-increasing numbers."

The government could well be receptive to Swim England's calls. The current health secretary, Matt Hancock, has called for a “culture shift” in health care and for medical professionals to act on the evidence that activity, such as swimming or long walks, can cut the risk of illness and boost survival from major diseases.

As part of efforts to showcase the physical benefits and the impact of prescribing swimming, Swim England has created three short films which share the stories of individuals who have experienced phenomenal physical health benefits as a result of swimming.