Swimming is not just a fun activity. It is an important life skill. It can help prevent drowning. Swimming also builds physical fitness. It helps children gain confidence.
Recent data from Swim England shows a worrying trend. More than 70% of children are leaving swimming lessons before they can swim well.
This decline in participation isn’t due to a lack of interest. It’s a result of rising costs, diminishing access, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect families already facing financial or logistical challenges.
If left unaddressed, this growing gap in access could have serious long-term consequences for child safety and well-being.
Fortunately, schools are uniquely positioned to play a transformative role in addressing this issue.
Understanding The Barriers Parents Face
While many parents want their children to learn how to swim, a variety of barriers are preventing them from doing so:
Rising Costs:
The cost of swimming lessons has increased significantly in recent years. As inflation continues to affect household budgets, many parents are finding it harder to justify the added monthly expense. What was once a standard childhood experience is becoming unaffordable for many families.
Limited Lesson Availability:
With high demand and limited capacity, swimming facilities are often fully booked, leading to long waiting lists. In some areas, it can take months to secure a place for a child, making it difficult for families to maintain consistent progress in swimming education.
Access and Travel Challenges:
Many families, particularly those in rural or underserved urban communities, face difficulties traveling to swimming facilities. Public transport may be limited, and not all families have access to a vehicle. For parents working irregular hours or managing multiple children, coordinating transport to lessons becomes a significant hurdle.
Pool Closures:
The closure of local pools due to funding cuts, staff shortages, and high maintenance costs has further limited access. With fewer public facilities available, the remaining pools are under more pressure than ever, and the options for many families are vanishing.
A School-Based Solution: Bringing Swimming Lessons To The Classroom
At Fiesta Sports Coaching, we believe swimming should be accessible to all children not just those whose families can afford private lessons or live near a pool. Our innovative approach involves bringing swimming to schools through mobile, on-site pop-up pools.
This model is a game-changer for schools and families alike. By integrating swimming into the school day and eliminating the need for off-site travel, we significantly reduce the financial and logistical barriers that often prevent children from learning to swim.
How Pop-Up Pools Make a Difference:
- Convenience: Lessons are held during school hours, removing scheduling conflicts and transport issues.
- Affordability: Group lessons on-site reduce costs for schools and parents.
- Inclusivity: All students can participate, including those from low-income families or those with limited mobility or transport.
- Curriculum Alignment: Schools meet national curriculum requirements for swimming and water safety without depending on external facilities.
Why Schools Choose Fiesta Sports Coaching
We are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and effective swimming education. Our programs are led by a team of qualified professionals who ensure that every child has a positive and secure experience in the water.
Our team includes:
- Level 2 Qualified Swim Teachers trained to teach swimming and water safety skills to children of all levels.
- NPLQ-Certified Lifeguards on duty to monitor every session and ensure a safe environment.
- PWTAG Pool Plant Trained Technicians who manage water quality and hygiene to national safety standards.
- Paediatric First Aid Certified Staff equipped to respond to any medical needs or emergencies.
- Enhanced DBS Checked and Safeguarding Trained Professionals to ensure every child is protected and supported throughout their lessons.
We provide all necessary infrastructure, equipment, and training allowing schools to offer comprehensive swimming lessons without the typical logistical and financial burden.
The Broader Impact: A Lifesaving Skill For Every Child
Swimming is more than an extracurricular activity. It’s a skill that can save lives, foster independence, and open doors to lifelong health and enjoyment. Ensuring that every child has access to swimming lessons is a public health issue, an educational priority, and a social justice imperative.
By offering swimming through pop-up pools, schools can take a proactive role in addressing the national decline in swimming proficiency. Together, we can make sure that every child has the opportunity to meet Swim England’s recommendation of being able to swim 100 metres confidently and safely.
Looking Ahead
This article is the first in a series exploring the challenges facing swimming education in the UK. In future posts, we’ll take a closer look at the effects of long waiting lists, the impact of local pool closures, and the innovative ways schools are stepping up to keep swimming accessible.
At Fiesta Sports Coaching, we’re dedicated to making swimming education equitable and effective for every child, in every community.
Let’s ensure swimming remains a skill every child can learn not a privilege for the few.