Big School Swim bigger and better than ever

Over 7,000 pupils from 215 schools took part in the Big School Swim on Wednesday 8 November at schools and swimming pools across the country.

Primary and junior school pupils took part in special sessions to celebrate swimming and water safety. Some pupils went to their local pool for a Big School Swim lesson while others had special lessons and assemblies as part of their school day.

Fairview School took the plunge at Medway Park Leisure Centre in Gillingham Kent. They learned all about swimming and safe self-rescue, and all got certificates at the end of the session.

Excited and pleased to be supporting #BigSchoolSwim Certificates will be coming home to all our primary school swim students👏 @Swim_Englandhttps://t.co/IoqIrPZFtf

— MedwaySport (@MedwaySport) November 7, 2017

Swim England Head of Learn to Swim Katie Towner popped in to the Big School Swim at Medway Park. She said: “This is the second year we have organised the Big School Swim, and it was bigger and better than ever. Thousands of children had the opportunity to learn about the importance of swimming and had lots of fun in the process.

“We had a fantastic afternoon celebrating the Big School at Medway Parks with Fairview School. The teachers, pupils and staff  really enjoyed themselves. They learned important water safety messages through a variety of games and activities during their swimming lesson. Well done to all those that took part, and everyone involved in making it such a special event.”

Children learn best when they’re having fun

Teachers and staff members were pleased by the amount that the pupils learned and engaged with their lessons.

Jane McCormick was with pupils from Overleigh St Mary‘s at Chester City Baths. She said: “Overleigh St Mary’s Primary school had a wonderful morning of swimming and water safety. 50 children from Year 4 practised floating, treading water, swimming through sunken hoops, retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool and other fun activities. We love swimming and feeling safe in the water. We are so proud to be part of The Big School Swim.”

Chablis Abley from Bournemouth Swim School said: “We’ve had the most AMAZING morning! Water safety swimming lesson with reception and Year 1 at Moordown St. John’s in Bournemouth. 120 four to six year olds learning beach safety flags, floating skills. I cannot express how impressed I’ve been with them all. They’ve blown me away with their understanding and retention of the information. All part of the #bigschoolswim from #swimengland!

Ensuring all children learn swimming and water safety at school

Swimming and water safety are life-skills that are taught in key stage 1 or 2 as part of the national curriculum.

The Swim Group has been working  with the Department of Education to ensure schools, swimming teachers and pools are supported with the skills that enable all children leave year 6 with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe while enjoying being in and around water.

• Click here to read more about the Swim Group’s work.