Parents in Gloucestershire encouraged to teach children to swim
Research finds it is seen as the most important life skill a child can learn at school.
Last updated 21st Jun 2024
Teaching swimming is the most important life skill we can teach our children – even more important than learning about first aid. That’s according to new research which says more than half of parents say it tops their list of priorities.
The survey also found 1 in 5 people found swimming more useful in their adult life than most other subjects like science, computing.
And, with the summer holidays fast approaching, 71% of parents fear their children might drown abroad.
The study to mark Drowning Prevention Week, highlighted how 42% were “very concerned” about the risk of drowning on a family holiday.
And parents have reason to be worried due to challenges schools are facing in giving swimming lessons.
Over 70% of primary schools rely upon public swimming pools to do so, but, in recent years, many pool operators have faced rising energy costs of up to 150% which has threatened a reduction in programmes, and even the closure of some pools.
Also, over a third of primary school teachers provided fewer than 10 swimming lessons per pupil during the academic year 2022-23 3.
This has contributed to the proportion of children being able to swim 25m by year 7 in 2022/23 dropping by 6% compared to 2017/18 3.
Outside of school, 58% say the cost of pool access of lessons are a barrier to participating in swimming.
Availability of public transport, the cost of pool access and the time it takes to get to the pool are also cited as barriers.
Donna Potts, Head of Prevention at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We know it is difficult for schools as swimming lessons can be costly, but this is a genuinely lifesaving skill.
"Children who are comfortable in the water will know how to keep themselves safe and will recognise whether it's safe to go into the water or not.
"Swimming lessons are important, if your child goes to a school where swimming lessons are not on offer it is important you find some way of encouraging your child to swim."