By Keith Dunlap on SwimSwam
Following an alarming BBC Report detailing how a sizable percentage of youth swimmers in England aren’t able to swim 25 meters, Olympic champion Becky Adlington is stepping up to try and help.
Adlington is offering to work with local councils and provide 5,000 free lessons for the rest of the summer through her swimming school.
The BBC report, which was based on Department for Education data, said that 28% of Year 6 children on average left school unable to swim 25 meters, with those figures being 45% for schools with more disadvantaged children.
“When we hear that nearly three in 10 children are leaving primary school unable to swim 25 metres, and that the figures are even worse in some communities, it’s clear that more needs to be done,” Adlington said to the BBC.
A big reason for the decline has been funding in councils and closures of pools. In 2021, Swim England published its “Decade of Decline” report, saying almost 2,000 swimming pools could be closed by 2030.
Because of that, kids wanting to learn how to swim better have had to travel farther, with some families being unable to afford increased gas costs.
The lessons can be booked through the Swim! website, but those interested have to claim spots by next week. Those who signed up could expect three to four lessons. Adlington said she plans to offer half-price lessons again in September and free one-off taster sessions.
Adlington said the purpose isn’t to try and develop Olympic swimmers, but to give kids confidence in the water the ability to learn a life-saving skill.
Adlington is best known for winning gold medals in the 400 and 800 meter freestyle events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She became the first British swimmer to win multiple Olympic gold medals at a single Games since 1908.
Adlington also won bronze medals in the 400 and 800 free at the 2012 London Games.
In 2011, she won the gold medal in the 800 free and silver in the 400 free at the World Championships.
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