Brian DeVal

A new independent study that shows the health and wellbeing benefits of swimming has been launched by Swim England.

The report shows the unique benefits of water make it the ideal place for people of all ages to exercise. It is particularly beneficial for those with long term health conditions.

The report also found evidence that swimmers live longer. Swimming regularly also helps older people to stay fit, physically and mentally.

On the other end of the scale, the report also found that children who take part in swimming lessons regularly develop physical, cognitive and social skills quicker than those who do not.

We are delighted to announces that Scottish Swimming will be working in partnership with the Swimming Trust to deliver programmes that will increase the number of people of all ages and abilities participating for health, fitness and fun.

As the national governing body for swimming in Scotland, Scottish Swimming represents clubs, swim schools, aquatic disciplines, and thousands of talented and committed volunteers across the entire swimmer pathway from development and healthy living through to performance.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said of the partnership,

“Scottish Swimming’s mission is to inspire members and partners in the development of aquatics, providing leadership and expert support, resulting in more people taking part and reaching their full potential.

“The Swimming Trust aims to identify barriers to participation, so that more people can enjoy the wide ranging benefits of swimming. Working together will allow us to develop relevant programmes, which will have a positive impact on communities across Scotland.”

We are proud of this association. For more information about our partnerships and work with Scottish Swimming contact Brian DeVal

The Swimming Trust, in partnership with the ASA has launched an exciting new project to create a more diverse workforce in swimming and increase the number of people taking to the pool.

The aim of the Adult Social Swimming Project is to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to take up swimming teaching as a career. By doing so, it is hoped that more people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds will also start swimming.

Funded by the Swimming Trust and delivered in partnership with the ASA, the project will allow people the chance to qualify as a Level 1 and then a Level 2 swimming teacher at a reduced price.

This comes as the most recent Sport England Active People Survey shows that 11,000 more adults are swimming each week and over 100,000 more people are swimming monthly, compared to last year.

ASA Health and Wellbeing Manager, Jamie Hooper, said: “It’s great that more people are swimming but we need to ensure these numbers represent the entire population.

“The Adult Social Swimming Project supports people from all backgrounds to become qualified swimming teachers. By creating a more diverse workforce within swimming we hope to break down some of the barriers that are stopping some adults from getting involved in this fun activity.

“We are working with Sporting Equals and Street Games to encourage people from communities where swimming teaching wouldn’t normally seem a viable career path to get involved. Not only will they be able to take part in new training, they will also have the opportunity to help and inspire others in their community.”

The project is already running in Tameside, Bury and Birmingham, and from early 2017 will be expanding to Haringey and Bedfordshire. Each one will provide an opportunity for up to 20 people to embark on this new career path.

• If you would like to find out more about any of the projects, please contact jamie.hooper@swimming.org.