Information for Young Swimmers

Learning how to swim and understanding water safety is very important because it means that you, and your friends can enjoy, and take part in brilliant activities, in and on the water, safely.

Why Learn to Swim?

Drowning is the third largest cause of accidental death to children in the UK. Drowning can happen anywhere, in a garden pool, pond or river. This is why it is so important that you learn to swim properly and know how to act safely in and around water.

You should also understand the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Water Safety Code – for further information click here.

Swimming at School

Your school should teach you swimming and water safety, especially if you are of primary school age, because:

It is good for your health and develops your body
It helps you learn
It helps you make friends

Before you leave your primary school you should be able to swim at least 25 metres safely.

How you can help yourself learn to swim

Your school might not be able to teach you everything that you want to know about swimming and water safety. If that’s so, you should ask your parents or carer for more lessons at your local pool.

Most pools have sessions where you can have fun learning with your friends. They should also have information on other children’s activities like swimming or lifesaving clubs.

Don’t forget that if you’re under eight years old you must have someone who is at least 16 going to the pool with you. Ask your parents to come swimming with you, because they might enjoy it too!

Swimming and Water Safety = Fun

Once you have learnt how to swim properly you can take part in all sorts of wonderful sports and activities in the water, such as diving, synchronised swimming, snorkeling and water polo.

Being able to swim means that you can also take part in lots of activities on the water, like sailing, canoeing, surfing and wind surfing.

For great tips and advice on playing sport safely visit http://www.safesport.co.uk