Swimming lessons 'vital' as schools gap revealed
Summary
Research shows children at English primary schools with more disadvantaged pupils are less likely to learn to swim 25 meters by Year 6. The Royal Life Saving Society says swimming lessons are very important for safety, but many schools provide only about three hours of lessons, and access to pools is limited, especially for poorer families.Key Facts
- 72% of Year 6 children overall can swim 25 meters, but only 55% in schools with many disadvantaged pupils can do so.
- National curriculum requires all Year 6 pupils to swim 25 meters, use different strokes, and perform safe self-rescue skills.
- Only half the children in schools with the most free meal eligibility can perform safe self-rescue skills.
- Safe self-rescue includes treading water for 30 seconds, floating on the back for 60 seconds, and swimming 15 meters unaided.
- Most schools provide just six 30-minute swimming sessions (about three hours total) for children.
- Some schools have 0% of children leaving Year 6 able to swim 25 meters, while others have 100%.
- Swim England warns nearly 2,000 pools could close by 2030, reducing access to swimming lessons.
- The Royal Life Saving Society wants well-funded, universal swimming programs that include lessons both indoors and outdoors.
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