Pop-up swimming pool at Peterborough school teaching water safety in memory of local teenager
The 'Jack Lloyd Programme' aims to teach swimming and water safety to hundreds of pupils
Last updated 2nd Dec 2025
A primary school in Peterborough is preparing to open a pop-up swimming pool in its playground to teach pupils vital water safety skills.
Hampton Vale Primary School's swimming programme, named in memory of former pupil Jack Lloyd, is expected to launch by Easter 2026.
16-year-old Jack tragically drowned in April 2025 after experiencing difficulties while swimming at Crown Lakes Country Park in Farcet.
Scott Collins, PE lead and performing arts manager at Hampton Vale, said the initiative will provide children extensive water safety lessons over three weeks rather than brief, weekly sessions.
"We want to equip children with essential life skills, especially in areas like Hampton where there are lots of lakes and ponds nearby," Collins said.
"Learning water safety techniques such as how to tread water and call for help is crucial, and we believe every child has a right to this knowledge."
Honouring a Legacy
The swimming programme has been named ‘The Jack Lloyd Programme’ to honour Jack’s memory.
His parents have supported the school in creating the initiative, and Jack’s father plans to give talks to pupils about water safety.
On the importance of the programme, Collins said: “I taught Jack when he was here, and I wanted this effort to be his legacy—a lasting reminder of why water safety matters. We hope this will also inspire other schools to implement similar initiatives.”
Reducing Barriers to Learning Swimming
The school has partnered with Swimmed to set up the temporary pool, which will be available for 12 weeks.
During this time, children from Year 3 to Year 6 will take part in daily half-hour sessions over three weeks.
Collins highlighted the challenges schools face in providing swimming lessons, such as costly travel and staff availability.
The programme is expected to benefit roughly 360 pupils, with after-school swim clubs also planned to include more children.
Long-Term Goals
While the project comes with a cost of £26,000, Collins hopes it will be a long-term investment in preventing future tragedies.
He aims to see more than 90% of participating students having the ability to swim confidently by Year 6.
The initiative not only focuses on safety but also encourages physical activity and introduces children to a sport they might take up outside school.
“This isn’t just about meeting curriculum requirements; we want to help children discover activities they enjoy,” Collins added.
“If this programme succeeds, we hope to see even more schools embrace it, ensuring water safety knowledge reaches as many children as possible.”