Every swimmer has a story. And for many, that story starts with something very simple: learning to swim.
The Swim England Learn to Swim Programme provides the foundations for children to become confident, capable and safe in the water. It is about much more than learning different strokes β it helps develop water confidence, essential skills and an enjoyment of swimming that can last a lifetime.
For us at Barking & Dagenham Aquatics Club, Learn to Swim is also a hugely important part of the swimming pathway.
Most of our club level swimmers have come through a Learn to Swim programme. It is often where children first discover that they love swimming and where coaches begin to see the potential for them to take the next step.
Our own squad pathway reflects this. Swimmers in our younger development squads are typically selected from Learn to Swim programmes as they develop the skills and confidence needed to move into competitive swimming.
But competitive swimming is only one part of the picture.
Swimming is a skill for life
Being comfortable and competent in the water is an important life skill. Swim England describes its Learn to Swim Programme as helping children and adults develop their confidence, enjoyment and safety in the water, with the programme designed to build the skills needed to become competent swimmers.
And there is still work to do.
The latest national data shows that 73% of children are leaving primary school able to swim 25 metres. That’s an encouraging improvement, but it also means that around one in four children are not yet reaching that milestone.
That is why access to good-quality swimming lessons matters.
For some children, swimming lessons will simply give them the confidence and skills to enjoy the water safely. For others, they may discover a passion that takes them much further.
From Learn to Swim to Team England
Our very own Brock Whiston is a brilliant example of where that journey can lead.
Before the competitions, medals and representing Team England, there was simply a child learning to swim.
In this video, Brock joins fellow Team England swimmers to talk about their own swimming journeys and the role swimming has played in their lives.
It is a great reminder that you never know where that first lesson might take you.
One lesson really can be the start of something incredible. π
Looking to start your own swimming journey?
There are Learn to Swim opportunities across our local communities, giving children the chance to build confidence, develop essential water skills and discover a love of swimming.
π Barking & Dagenham
Local options include Abbey Leisure Centre in Barking and Becontree Heath Leisure Centre in Dagenham.
These leisure centres offer lessons following the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme, including pre-school, children’s and advanced swimming lessons through Everyone Active.
π Redbridge
Redbridge offers swimming lessons through local leisure centres including Fullwell Cross, Loxford and Mayfield, following the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework. Lessons are available for children aged 3+.
Please note: Fullwell Cross is currently affected by essential safety works, with swimming lessons temporarily relocated to other venues including Loxford, Mayfield and Caterham High School. Check the Redbridge website for the latest availability.
π Havering
Havering has three public swimming pools managed by Everyone Active, with swimming available across the borough.
Local options include Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Central Park Leisure Centre and Sapphire Ice & Leisure. Parents can check current swimming lesson availability and enrol through Everyone Active.
Find your nearest Learn to Swim programme
You don’t have to live in these boroughs to get started. Swim England has a pool finder where you can search for Learn to Swim lessons by town, city or postcode.
Find a Learn to Swim programme near you β
Whether your child takes one lesson, swims for fun, joins a club or one day represents their country, it all starts with learning the skills and confidence to enjoy the water.