Turning the Tide: Almost 1 in 3 children leave primary school unable to swim

Splash About is highlighting the importance of getting children in the water from a young age ahead of National Baby Swimming Week (2nd – 8th October)

With National Baby Swimming Week (2nd – 8th October) just around the corner, baby and infant swimwear brand, Splash About, wants to drive awareness around the importance of investing in pools and the remarkable value swimming brings to children.

Data has shown that almost 1 in 3 children leave primary school without the ability to swim, equating to almost 2 million children across the UK*, and Covid 19 could be to blame for the continued decline in children attending swim lessons.

The pandemic caused a huge shortage of swimming teachers, as swim schools lost staff to other industries. According to Swim England and the Swimming Teachers’ Associations, 65% of ‘learn to swim’ providers are still restricted from growing their learn to swim programme due to the teacher shortage.

Not only are swimming teachers in decline but there is also an ageing supply in public swimming pools. This is largely because the majority are not energy efficient due to being past their expected lifespan or overdue refurbishment. Since 2010, more than 1,000 publicly accessible pools, including around 450 local authority owned pools, have closed either permanently or temporarily. Based on the opening and closure rates of swimming pools, Swim England forecasts that almost 75% of local authorities could have a shortage of swimming pools by 2030**.

“Not only is swimming a key life skill, but it encourages physical development, social interaction, and major health benefits” says Bernadette Spofforth, CEO at the global baby and children’s swimwear brand, Splash About.

“However, due to pool closures during the pandemic, plus the cost-of-living crisis and further threats of pool closures, this means that children are facing even more barriers to learning to swim” she adds.

“Whilst children’s swimming lessons are still on the UK school curriculum, the uptake is limited as they’re only compulsory in Local Authority primary schools. Free schools and Academies are not required to follow the curriculum, and many opt out of providing this vital skill.

“It’s imperative that parents recognise the urgency of enrolling their children in swimming classes, especially if not offered on their school's curriculum, to combat the decline in participation and educate children on water safety. This also needs to be supported by long-term investments by the Government, ensuring swimming pools stay open so that they can provide life-saving swimming lessons for children.”

The importance of getting children in the pool from an early age.

Swimming is a life skill

Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so making sure your child is able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.

Physical development

Swimming can help provide people of all ages with excellent physical exercise and even just splashing about in the pool can encourage children to be more active. Swimming also helps to regulate metabolism, tone muscles and improve the strength of the heart and lungs.

Improve balance and coordination

Being in the water helps babies to move independently before they can crawl or walk. It’s a safe place for them to explore their balance as it stimulates the vestibular system, meaning they’ll improve their coordination outside of the water too.

Social interaction

Swim classes provide a great opportunity for children to socialise with their peers in a fun and supervised environment. This can help them develop important social skills and make new friends. Many swim centres also offer parent and child classes, making it an excellent opportunity to meet other families.

Managing health problems

Swimming can provide significant benefits for children with physical health and mental health problems.

Children with juvenile arthritis and other afflictions affecting the body’s joints may not be able to participate in high impact sports such as football or running. Swimming offers a perfect low-impact alternative, providing great exercise without putting pressure on the joints.

Splash About products are designed with swim safety in mind and to support babies and children in their swimming journey. To shop the full swimwear range, visit the Splash About website.