Wiltshire Council is urging families to book children into swimming lessons ahead of the summer holidays, as part of Swim England’s national #LoveSwimming campaign focused on water safety.
The campaign highlights the difference between simply being able to swim and being truly water safe, helping children build the confidence and awareness needed to stay safe at beaches, lakes, pools and other open water environments during the summer.
Wiltshire Council is backing the initiative by encouraging parents to enrol children in lessons now, giving them time to develop essential skills before the school holidays begin.
Lessons are available for children of all ages and abilities at all Wiltshire Council swimming pools, helping young people gain confidence in the water while learning vital safety techniques.
To encourage more families to sign up, the council is offering a limited-time promotion until the end of May, with the £25 swimming lesson enrolment admin fee waived for new customers.
International swimmer and broadcaster Michael Gunning, who fronts the national campaign, said, “Summer holidays should be about having fun and making memories together in the water, but for many families, that enjoyment is held back by worry, whether that’s at the beach, lake, by the pool or in open water.
“There’s a real difference between a child who can swim and one who is truly water safe. Don’t wait until you’re packing your suitcase, start lessons now and give your family the confidence to enjoy the water together. The fun and memories you make will be worth it!”
Now in its ninth year, #LoveSwimming is Swim England’s national campaign promoting the physical, mental and safety benefits of swimming.
Helen Marney, Director of Community Participation and Health at Swim England, said, “Every summer, families head to the water together, and every summer, tragedies occur that could have been prevented. We want to change that.
“Swimming lessons are not just a childhood milestone, they are one of the most important things a parent can do to keep their child safe and not just in the pool, but on holiday, at the beach and around open water.
“The #LoveSwimming campaign is all about getting your children ready to enjoy the water and be safe. If your child is not yet in lessons, start now. If they are, keep them going, water confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but when it does, everything changes for your child, and for your whole family.”
Families can find out more about swimming lessons through Wiltshire Council Leisure Swim School and details of the current promotion via Wiltshire Council leisure promotions.
