Policy into practice - Swimming
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The issue: Swimming is an ever-popular sporting activity with children and young people, particularly during the school holidays and summer months. As well as getting active and healthy it can also be a great way to have fun with friends.
The government has recognised the value of swimming for young people through its free swimming initiative. Since 1 April, more than 200 local authorities have been offering free swimming to young people aged 16 and under. It is hoped that the scheme will encourage children to be more active while helping to uncover new British sporting talents ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the meantime, some great schemes and initiatives are getting creative about engaging children and young people in the sport.
CASE STUDY 1
The Reading Cygnets Swimming Club is one of the country's leading clubs for people with learning disabilities. It promotes disability swimming in a fun and competitive atmosphere designed to help young swimmers to reach their potential.
Having started out with just six swimmers, the club now boasts more than 30 members, many of whom have progressed to compete at a regional, national and international standard. Membership of the club is open to swimmers with a learning disability from age seven and up.
The club has created some excellent opportunities for members to forge strong friendships and reinforces this through additional fun activities, which take place after the swimming is over.
CASE STUDY 2
Newquay Waterworld is a leisure facility that has come up with a creative way to help get children excited about swimming and physical activity. It hosts a junior disco in its pool, which allows up to 100 young people aged between 8 and 12 to socialise and make friends on a Friday evening. The sessions are held every week from September through to July and during school holidays.
Children get active while splashing around to soundtracks from a live DJ. Props such as large floats and pool toys add to the experience. Parents are welcome to come and watch the activities, which have had a major impact on the attitudes of young people in the area towards activity and exercise.
