Southwark Council to offer hundreds of free swimming lessons for children this summer

In response to the alarming statistic that one in three children leave primary school unable to swim*, Southwark Council has launched a new initiative to provide free swimming lessons for children between 9 and 12 years old who cannot swim. The initiative reflects the council’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles, readdressing barriers preventing children from learning to swim and raising awareness of water safety practices.

Starting this summer, over 240 free spots will be offered to children in the borough. The lessons will held at Peckham Leisure Centre and The Castle Leisure Centre, consisting of a five day course with each session lasting 30 minutes per day over five consecutive days.

Councillor Mwangange, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said: “As a young person growing up on the Kingswood Estate, the free swimming lessons I received at my primary school, Dulwich Wood, encouraged my healthy lifestyle at such a young age.”

“Learning to swim is not just about recreation; it’s a crucial life skill that enhances safety around water and promotes a healthy lifestyle. By offering these free swimming lessons, we are addressing a significant gap in water safety education and ensuring that more children in Southwark have the confidence and ability to enjoy water activities safely.”

The free swimming lessons aim not only to teach children basic swimming techniques but also to instill confidence in the water and raise awareness about water safety practices. This initiative is part of Southwark Council’s broader efforts to improve community health and wellbeing by providing accessible recreational opportunities for young residents. Places will be issued on a first come, first serve basis.

How to apply for a free swim lesson place:

If you are a parent or guardian of a child aged 9 to 12 who can’t swim, you can apply for a swim place by emailing the participating centres:

Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre: email lauren.smith@southwark.gov.uk
The Castle Leisure Centre: email jodie.sees@southwark.gov.uk

Course dates:

Peckham Leisure Centre:

Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August at 1pm

Monday 12 August to Friday 16 August at 1pm

Tuesday 27 August to Friday 30 August at 1pm

The Castle Leisure Centre:

Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August at 2.30pm

Monday 12 August to Friday 16 August at 2.30pm

Monday 19 August to Friday 23 August at 2.30pm

Notes

*A report by Swim England revealed that around 30% of children in the UK leave primary school without being able to swim. This statistic underscores the need to improve access to affordable swimming lessons to ensure children’s safety and well-being, particularly at this time of year.