Swim England x The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants partnership

Partnership Announcement

Swim England and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, in cinemas December 20, dive in to make a splash with water safety

Swim England has launched an exciting new campaign in partnership with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, designed to keep children engaged in swimming lessons while raising awareness of the vital water safety skills every child needs.

Despite the importance of these skills, research by Swim England reveals that 70% of children do not complete all four competencies, and more than half are withdrawn from lessons before they can tread water or float – two of the most critical survival techniques.

“We know that swimming is a life skill, but too many children are leaving lessons before they’re truly safe in the water,” said Andy Salmon, CEO at Swim England. “By teaming up with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, we’re making lessons more engaging and encouraging families to stay the course.”

The campaign also addresses a common misconception among parents: most believe a child only needs to swim 5-20 metres to be safe, when full competency requires much more. By the time a child can swim 100 meters, their overall competency will be much higher, increasing their water safety and ability to enjoy the best that water has to offer.

By combining expert instruction with imaginative play, the campaign ensures that children not only enjoy their lessons but also develop the confidence and skills to stay safe in and around water.

“Fun is a powerful teaching tool,” Andy added. “When children are having fun, they’re more likely to stay in lessons, retain what they learn and become confident swimmers for life.”

The campaign will be live in pools across the country from November, with themed activities running throughout the next few months. Parents are encouraged to speak to their local Swim England Learn to Swim provider to find out how their child can take part.