Not Enough Swimming Lessons
Statistics (May 2012) show that drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death of children in England, mainly because many youngsters do not know how to swim.
According to a report by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Kellogg's, of those who cannot swim, around 200,000 school leavers, over a third (39%) have never been offered lessons at school. This is despite swimming being part of the National Curriculum which states that children 7 to 11 year old should be able to swim unaided for at least 25m, about the length of a regular pool. Swimming is the only school subject that can save your life.
The report also includes a survey of more than 1,000 parents which showed that only 40% thought their children would be able to swim to safety if they got into danger in the water. Around a quarter (24%) of parents paid for private swimming lessons but another 24% said they could not afford either lessons or pool admission. One in six parents never take their child swimming.
This situation requires smart teachers in schools and pools to take action and promote more interesting swimming lessons, including survival and lifesaving skills.
Statistics (May 2012) show that drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death of children in England, mainly because many youngsters do not know how to swim.
According to a report by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and Kellogg's, of those who cannot swim, around 200,000 school leavers, over a third (39%) have never been offered lessons at school. This is despite swimming being part of the National Curriculum which states that children 7 to 11 year old should be able to swim unaided for at least 25m, about the length of a regular pool. Swimming is the only school subject that can save your life.
The report also includes a survey of more than 1,000 parents which showed that only 40% thought their children would be able to swim to safety if they got into danger in the water. Around a quarter (24%) of parents paid for private swimming lessons but another 24% said they could not afford either lessons or pool admission. One in six parents never take their child swimming.
This situation requires smart teachers in schools and pools to take action and promote more interesting swimming lessons, including survival and lifesaving skills.