Britain is facing a concerning swimming crisis among its children. A significant number are leaving primary school unable to swim, a stark contrast to the nation’s historical reputation for water sports.
The exact percentage of children leaving primary school unable to swim varies slightly from year to year, but recent data suggests that 1 in 3 (33%) children leaving primary school unable to swim in 2023 and this was up from 1 in 4 (25%) in 2022. The statistics from Sport England, also found that 58% of school children in the most deprived areas of the country can’t swim. Generally, this is a significant increase from previous years and highlights the growing concern about the swimming crisis in Britain.
Pool and Lessons Costs Increase
Closure of Swimming Pools is a big problem and the number of publicly accessible swimming pools has been dwindling, limiting access for many children. For instance, between 2001 and 2019, over 1,000 swimming pools closed across the UK, a significant loss of facilities. Since the pandemic the fuel and cost of living crisis puts even more pools at risk.
These closures are largely down to the rising running costs, which in turn impacts the costs of swimming lessons and general swimming, making them less affordable for families.
The impact on our community
This crisis has far-reaching implications. Children who cannot swim are at greater risk of drowning accidents. They also miss out on the numerous health and social benefits swimming offers, including improved fitness, coordination, and self-esteem. We also see from the recent reports from Swim England and the STA that there is a huge inequality in swimming proficiently, with disadvantaged children disproportionately affected, exacerbating social inequalities.
The Guardian analysed data collected by Sport England in 2023 and found a net decline of 382 swimming pools across the country since 2010. These figures include local authority- and community-owned pools, privately run health facilities, schools and sports clubs. The loss of pools has led to an estimated £1bn loss of associated social value through health and community benefits.
Our own experience
Over the years, through our various swim schools and our own experience, we’ve seen the shift in culture and decline in aquatics in our area, Sussex. We also see the rising costs but we’ve also seen the joy even being in a swimming pool gives children and we all share the belief swimming is something EVERYONE can learn. We live in seaside towns and even though we are a tiny organisation, what little we do in our area can help show others the way forward. We need help to do this, we’ll be applying for grants and fundraising to implement our programmes and do our bit for the next generation – your help and support is hugely appreciated in helping us, help them.
Whether you’re an individual, school, business, swim school or leisure provider, we’d love to talk to you, we don’t have all the answers but we do believe in the power of collaboration for a greater outcome.
Matt, Mihaela, Russell, Sara and Anthony – Aquatic 2012 CIC