Why has POWIIS Primary School invested in a swimming pool?

Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.

Water safety is the only part of the English National Curriculum that will save children’s lives and in England it is now required for all children to be able to swim 25 metres by the age of 11.

There are other reasons children should learn to swim.

• Swimming is lots of fun for people of all ages and children especially love getting in the water and enjoying themselves
• Swimming is a very healthy activity
• Swimming provides challenges and rewards accomplishment
• Swimming provides opportunities to make friends

Swimming is a skill that stays with a person throughout their life, and not knowing how to swim can be isolating especially in later life when water based activities are being used by their peers.

Although it is never too late for a child to learn to swim, there are reasons why a child should learn as early as possible.

• It is much easier for a young child to pick up the skill of swimming than it is for an older child. Younger children tend to absorb the knowledge faster and will have an easier time picking up the skill.
• Swimming is a great activity for children to interact freely with their peers. They learn to follow instructions from their instructor and learn to share and play with others. According to the German Sports College in Cologne, young swimmers are less shy, more independent, and more comfortable in social situations than non-swimmers.
• Swimming is a great form of exercise that can keep a child’s heart and lungs healthy. It can improve their strength and stamina and can even improve their balance and posture. Swimming builds a good foundation for skills that they will learn later in life.
• During formal lessons, children learn water safety skills and pool safety rules. It is natural that parents are constantly worried about their children’s safety and giving children the opportunity to learn to swim from an early age gives peace of mind for parents.
• With every new swim technique children learn, more confidence is gained. Children become proud of their new skills, and love to show them to family and friends. Also swim-skills act as a stepping stone to being able to participate in other water based activities therefore allowing for more opportunities to socialize and confidently interact with their peers.

There are many reasons why swimming is an excellent activity for pupils to participate in. It is an important life skill and the earlier children begin to learn it, the sooner they can reap the benefits!

POWIIS Primary wants to provide every opportunity for young children to grow up healthy, active and confident and by providing a swimming pool our pupils will have the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits that learning to swim early offers.