Lithuanian club adopts Swim England's Learn to Swim Programme

A Lithuanian swimming club has adopted the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme – claiming they have already enjoyed the ‘added value’ to the centre as a result.

Plaukimo Klubas Banga – which translates to Swimming Club Banga – contacted Swim England as they sought to implement a Learn to Swim framework for the first time.

The club is home to more than 1,000 weekly swimmers, who will now be following a structured approach to their swimming lessons.

The project began in June 2019 and was implemented in November 2019, as the Institute of Swimming travelled to Lithuania to deliver a training course to Banga’s swimming teachers.

The Swim England Learn to Swim Awards have all been translated into Lithuanian and Banga have presented their first Stage Awards to their swimmers.

Swim England Learn to Swim manager David Rayner said: “I am delighted to see the Learn to Swim Programme being utilised internationally.

“The key challenge in this project was introducing a Learn to Swim Framework into an organisation with no existing framework.

“But we have enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Banga and they are now seeing the benefits of following a structured programme.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in building this strong relationship.

“We hope to see the Learn to Swim Programme thrive at Banga.”

‘An excellent decision’

The team at Banga will receive ongoing training and reviews from the Swim England Learn to Swim Team.

Sigita Špokienė, general manager for Banga, said: “Our swim school has been in business for three years.

“However, we do not have a unified swimming training system, so we are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Swim England.

“We are grateful for the training provided. It was useful, hard-working and full of good energy training for our coaches. Nicola Bainbridge is a charismatic teacher and lecturer. It was an excellent decision to dedicate her to Lithuania for the duration of the training.

“We are pleased to have added value to our customers and employees.”