International Learn to Swim Week 2022

In the wake of the Tokyo Olympics which saw Team GB bring home a whopping eight medals for swimming backed by an additional 12 in water-related sports (canoeing, diving, rowing and sailing) – it seems inconceivable that over one million children could leave primary school in the next five years unable to swim the minimum standards required under the national curriculum. Today, approximately one in three students leave primary school not being able to swim.

Whilst not classed as a ‘core’ subject, swimming is a compulsory part of the National Curriculum. By the end of primary school, pupils must be taught to swim 25 metres unaided using recognised strokes on their front and back and use a range of personal survival skills.

In addition, Swim England notes that some 30% of adults in the UK can’t swim a length, yet one-quarter of adult non-swimmers would like to learn how.

Swimming and water safety are vital life skills that every child – and adult - should have.

There’s no denying the numerous health benefits of swimming. And it is no exaggeration to say that learning how to swim, and the wider importance of water safety, are skills that could one day save a life.

Beyond the importance of water safety though, whether you’re an adult, a child, or simply young at heart – learning to swim isn’t just a life skill, it’s a rite of passage to a new lease on life.

Learning to swim brings freedom, fun and endless opportunities to create lifelong memories in and around water - from summers at your local lido with friends, to family holidays at the beach, scuba-diving, canoeing, white water river rafting, paddleboarding, windsurfing and so much more!

While there are many benefits of learning to swim, we know that learning from passionate and experienced instructors can make a world of difference. With the right instructor and individualized attention, swimming isn’t scary, it’s empowering.

At Places Leisure, our lessons are taught by fully qualified swim instructors who are passionate about teaching water safety and focus on the fundamentals of swimming in a positive, encouraging way – whether you’re nine, or 90, we can help you or your child every step of the way. We promote quality not quantity and we recognise that everyone is an individual and may progress at different speeds, but when they do, progress is always acknowledged.

For those that are a little concerned about the transmission of Covid-19 in the water, please click here to learn about a recent study we supported that concluded, that swimming pool water can inactivate the Covid-19 virus in 30 seconds.

So, in the spirit of International Learn to Swim Week, why don’t you sign up yourself or your child for swim classes today? Simply click here for more details!