Adam Peaty and James Wilby back Swimming Safety Pledge

Commonwealth champions Adam Peaty and James Wilby have given their backing to Swim England’s Swimming Safety Pledge.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of teaching swimming and water safety in schools.

And in new videos released on Swim England’s social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – both Peaty and Wilby gave the campaign their full support.

Peaty, who won the 100m Breaststroke title at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, said: “Learning to swim can save your life. So I pledge to do all I can to ensure children are taught swimming and water safety at primary school. Why not join me? Visit swimming.org/schools for more information.”

And Wilby, who was victorious in the 200m Breaststroke on the Gold Coast earlier this year, added: “Show your commitment to help raise awareness of the importance of teaching swimming and water safety in schools by supporting the Swimming Safety Pledge, using #IPledge and #SwimmingSafety.

“Together we can make sure all children are able to enjoy the water safely.”

Thousands take part in Big School Swim

Peaty and Wilby’s support comes as thousands of pupils at schools across the country are taking part in Swim England’s Big School Swim.

The event is taking place all week until 16 November and aims to give even more youngsters and schools the opportunity to celebrate swimming and water safety.

Last year, more than 7,000 pupils from 215 schools took part in the event at swimming pools across the country.

But with more than 400 primary schools and 200 swims schools, swimming teachers and pools already signed up for this year’s Big School Swim, it’s hoped more than 18,000 youngsters will be taking part.

Meanwhile. the Swimming Safety Pledge has already been supported by more than 40 organisations including schools, pool operators, lesson providers and drowning prevention charities.

School swimming ambassadors and athletes are also backing the pledge, including Steve Parry, Lizzie Simmonds, Sharron Davies, Ellie Robinson, Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and Tom Hamer. 

To support the pledge, a series of infographics can be downloaded and shared on social media channels.