First Parliamentary Group on Swimming launched

Parliamentarians from across the political divide have come together to form the first All-Party Parliamentary Group on Swimming.

Organised by Catherine West MP and co-chaired by Nicky Morgan MP, the group will focus on a range of issues facing swimming.

In particular, the need for all children to learn how to swim at primary school, greater access to facilities and raising awareness of safe outdoor swimming.

A keen outdoor swimmer, Catherine West wanted to set up the APPG to encourage more people to swim. She said: “Currently 31 per cent of children are unable to swim competently by the time they finish primary school.

“Our APPG aims to raise issues surrounding school swimming and access to affordable swimming lessons, as well as to promote the restoration of swimming baths and the uptake of outdoor swimming and water safety.”

The APPG on Swimming brings together over 30 MPs and Peers from across the UK and has been welcomed by the national governing bodies for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England CEO, said: “This a great opportunity to raise the profile of swimming and help ensure important issues such as curriculum swimming, water safety and facility provision remain on the political agenda.

“Despite swimming being the largest participation sport in the country, there hasn’t been a Parliamentary group dedicated to it before and we would like to thank Catherine and all the members for their support.”

To find out more about the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Swimming people can email [email protected].

Officers of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Swimming:

• Chair: Catherine West MP
• Co-Chair: Nicky Morgan MP
• Vice-Chair: Owen Smith MP
• Vice-Chair: Lord Ray Collins MP
• Treasurer: John Cryer MP
• Secretary: Maria Caufield MP