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Wales Online
a day ago
- General
- Wales Online
'Consistent' drop in children learning to swim on 'island surrounded by water'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A county "surrounded by water" has seen a "consistent drop" in the number of children learning how to swim. Councillors on Anglesey are "looking into" why less youngsters are learning the vital skill. During a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, councillors heard there had been a drop in the number of kids taking part in the Nofio Môn Swimming programme. During a discussion on the council's "corporate score card" results for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, councillors heard the number of children attending swimming classes was 1,682. This was slightly down on the third quarter level of 1,695. In Quarter One it had been 1,847, and 1,806 in the second quarter. The average for 2024/25 fell to 1,747, below the Quarter Four target of 1,900. This had not included children taking swimming lessons through primary schools, where 3,845 children had attended sessions during a 30-week block. The meeting heard demand for places on the council's scheme was declining, and there was now only one centre on the island with a waiting list. The council's portfolio holder for leisure Cllr Neville Evans said: "We just don't know why it's happening, we're looking into it. "There's been a consistent decline, but it's happening in other council areas too." Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Enhanced coaching and training for staff had been undertaken at the end of March, through Swim Wales, and it was hoped this would "further improve" the quality of lessons provided. "It could be due to a number of reasons, the cost of living, or even more leisure activities available now," he added. He also queried if the target was "too high". It was agreed that the service would work with leisure centres to promote the swimming programme. Cllr Jeff Evans, the committee's chair, said due to the "astonishing number of deaths going on around the country" he felt it was necessary for the committee to "get on top of the issue". "We must maximise the opportunities for learning to swim, living here on the island we are surrounded by water," he said. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly Sport and Leisure Services scoops top award
The service won the best innovation award at the Welsh Sports Association Sports Industry Awards for its SWIMTAG project, which uses wearable technology to enhance the swimming experience. The initiative, which is the first of its kind in Wales, allows swimmers to track their performance, set goals, and engage in gamified challenges. The technology has been introduced in pools in Caerphilly, Heolddu, Newbridge, and Risca, and has been praised for its positive impact on community health and fitness. The service's commitment to combining innovation with community wellbeing was also recognised at the Swim Wales annual awards, where it received the health impact award.
South Wales Argus
11-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Newport Live expands swimming lessons to save lives
Newport Live has expanded its swimming lesson programme to support Drowning Prevention Week, an annual campaign by the Royal Life Saving Society aimed at reducing accidental drownings. The organisation is promoting water safety messages and offering additional swim lesson slots to help more children become confident and capable in the water. Steve Ward, chief executive of Newport Live, said: "Swimming is a fundamental life skill which is an investment in your future as it will equip you with the skills to save your own life and those of others too, potentially. "This is why we want to support Drowning Prevention Week and enable more children to access our swimming lessons across our venues." Newport Live's swimming programme includes sessions for all ages and abilities, starting with parent-and-child classes and progressing through eight Swim Wales academy levels. The programme is designed to build water confidence and develop swimming strokes and aquatic knowledge. Newport Live also offers junior, youth, and adult lessons, as well as Rookie lifeguarding courses and access to the City of Newport Swimming and Water Polo Club. Lessons are available at the Regional Pool and Tennis Centre at Newport International Sports Village and the Active Living Centre in Bettws.
Western Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Western Telegraph
Record number of Pembrokeshire pupils enjoy swimming gala
Seventy children from 13 primary and secondary schools, some attending for the first time, took part in the Sport Pembrokeshire Disability Swim gala at Fishguard Leisure Centre on Tuesday, April 8. Amy Brumby of Swim Wales, who was in attendance, said that the event, sponsored by Valero, is the only one of its kind in Wales. Some pupils' outstanding performances saw them signposted to the Pembrokeshire Puffins disability swimming squad. All those who took part received a medal. The event was also supported by Gareth Mills-Bennett and Morgan Jones of Disability Sport Wales, with young ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun assisting with time and record keeping. Sport Pembrokeshire expressed gratitude to Pembrokeshire Leisure, swimming coordinators, county swimming staff, and other supporters, including Anne and Bob Adams, Angela Miles, and John Havard.
