We were delighted to welcome Aquatics GB and Swim England last week to host a swimming safety event at York Hall for local schools with over 300 school children attending. Despite swimming being a National Curriculum requirement, only 50 per cent of children from the poorest families in England are leaving primary school able to swim 25m. This event gave local children the chance to learn about keeping themselves safe in water, elite aquatics sports opportunities and fundamental movement skills.

Jacqueline Ayres, Be Well School Swimming lead, started off the event by highlighting the importance of getting all pupils in Tower Hamlets swimming, particularly with the Thames bordering the south of the borough!

Colleagues from Swim England and Aquatics GB introduced swim safety rules, explained the meaning of different flags on lifeguarded beaches, showed messages from elite aquatics athletes as well as leading a fun and interactive session on movement skills that can be used in the water.  

A highlight of the day was a surprise visit by GB Olympic diver Kyle Kothari who competed in last year’s 2024 Paris Olympic games. He spoke about his experience of learning to swim and how he switched sports from gymnastics to diving at the age of eleven. The children had a chance to ask Kyle questions as well as take photos with him and see his elite medals.

The event was held as part of a wider campaign by Aquatics GB, Swim England, Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales who are joining forces to raise awareness of the vital importance of school swimming.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation Cllr Kamrul Hussain said: ‘’Learning to swim for our young people is essential, not just to be able to swim but also as a life skill to stay safe, fit and healthy. We are delighted to have been able to host this event in partnership with Swim England and Aquatics GB to help school children learn about swim safety as well as having the chance to be inspired by elite athletes like Kyle Kothari. Tower Hamlets council is committed to supporting residents develop their swimming skills and was proud to launch Be Well Swim Well school last December’’

Be Well provides swimming lessons for all ages and abilities, and works with local schools to host school swimming lessons.

To find out about swimming lesson stages and to book your place, visit our swimming lessons page on the website.