Families across Wiltshire are being encouraged to take the plunge and discover the benefits of swimming as Wiltshire Council supports Swim England’s national #LoveSwimming campaign.
The campaign celebrates swimming pools as welcoming community spaces where children and adults of all ages and abilities can build confidence, improve their wellbeing and enjoy time together.
New research from Swim England reveals that more than eight in 10 parents say swimming with their children makes them feel closer as a family, while seven in 10 rank swimming lessons among their favourite family bonding activities.
Wiltshire Council operates 16 swimming pools across the county, offering activities for everyone from babies and beginners to more experienced swimmers. These include parent and child sessions, swimming lessons, family swims and Rookie Lifeguard awards, which help young people develop water safety skills.
Swimming opportunities for all abilities
The campaign also highlights the importance of making swimming accessible to children with additional needs.
One of the stories featured is that of five-year-old Arthur, who has an upper limb difference. Initially worried that he would sink, Arthur developed confidence and a love of swimming through one-to-one lessons.
Wiltshire Council offers individual swimming lessons and dedicated opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping families access swimming in a supportive environment.
David Redfern, Director of Leisure, Culture and Communities at Wiltshire Council, said, “Swimming is one of the most important life skills a person can learn, but it also offers so much more than that. It improves health and wellbeing, builds confidence and provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and connected with their communities.
“Our leisure centres are welcoming places where families can spend time together, children can develop essential water safety skills and people of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of being active in the water.
“Whether you’re introducing your child to the pool for the first time, returning to swimming after many years, improving your fitness or looking to build confidence in the water, there is something for everyone.”
It’s never too late to learn
Swim England’s research also found that more than half of parents say watching their child learn inspired them to take swimming lessons themselves, while seven in 10 adults who learned later in life describe it as one of their proudest achievements.
Jenny McAneny-Vincent, Swim England’s Head of Aquatics Competency, said, “Swimming pools are so much more than places to swim. They are community hubs where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can come together, connect and enjoy being active.
“Learning to swim isn’t a race. It’s a personal journey that can begin at any age, so why not take that first step and discover everything swimming has to offer?”
With swimming pools often quieter during the autumn months, the campaign encourages families and individuals to explore the sessions available at their local leisure centre.
For details of swimming lessons, family swims, SEND opportunities and other activities at Wiltshire Council leisure centres, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-swimming.
