This entry was posted on Friday, May 23rd, 2014at 12:10 pm by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Learn To Swim, Have Fun And Be Safe In The Water

More than 1 million primary school children have broken up for half term this week unable to be safe in and around water.

According to the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) 51% of 7-11 year olds cannot swim 25m unaided and 52% of parents do not believe their child would be able to swim to safety if they were to get into danger in the water.

As a sport and exercise charity we’re simply not happy with these statistics and are trying our hardest to teach as many people as possible to swim and be safe.

According to statistics 1 in 10 parents do not take their child swimming because they cannot swim themselves.

Right now we have 6,755 children visiting an Active Nation pool every week as part of our Learn To Swim programme. Which is Brilliant – but we want to teach even more children and their parents so that they can be safe in the water.

The great thing about swimming is that children of any age or ability can take part – and it is more accessible to children with disabilities than most other sports.

Learning to swim is fun, provides health benefits and could save a life. Learning to swim really is an essential life skill which is why it is part of the National Curriculum – but figures show that on average, schools are reaching only 37.5% of the government recommendations.

Liam, 4, is signed up for the Learn To Swim programme at Yarborough Leisure Centre. He said: “It’s great fun coming swimming every week and now when I go swimming with school I’m one of the best in the class.”

Swimming is about more than just statistics – it keeps your child’s heart and lungs healthy, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture. Your child will have plenty of opportunities to make friends and grow in confidence. Swimming also opens the door to other sports and activities, including: scuba diving, rowing and sailing.

All children on the Active Nation Learn To Swim programme also get to swim for FREE at their venue during casual swimming sessions. We believe this enables them to improve their skills, grow in confidence and build the foundations for a lifelong love of swimming.

So please, do something Brilliant today – give your nearest Active Nation venue a call and see how we can help your child to swim and have fun in the water safely.