Plan to tackle low levels of swimming ability

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Ted Peskett
  • Role, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Schools will partner with local swimming pools to try to tackle 鈥渁ll-time low鈥 levels of swimming ability among children in Cardiff

The city is the worst performing area in Wales for children聽learning to swim with just 57% of primary schools providing lessons last year, according to data from Swim Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

From September, a new scheme will see better transportation to pools and a streamlined booking system.

Swim Wales said the scheme could "save lives" by preventing drownings.

The pilot will include schools near the Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney, Cardiff Met in Cyncoed and Cardiff International Pool in Cardiff Bay.

Two-week intensive swimming lessons, offered in both Welsh and English, will include a specific water safety lesson.

"Drowning is the second most common cause of non-intentional injury fatalities in children under 18 years of age in Wales," a Cardiff council spokesperson said.

"We are committed to making significant changes so that schools have as much support as possible to enable swim provision to be delivered to learners across the city."

Swim Wales national learn to swim manager, Hanna Guise, said: 鈥淏y working together, we can help prevent drownings, save lives and make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of children in Cardiff.

"Experiences in school shape our future relationship with swimming, water, and all aquatic activities, and could have a lasting impact and influence on a child鈥檚 behaviour and decision making in and around water."