Dive into free swimming lessons with Southwark Council
8 August 2019
If you’re looking to make a big splash for the first time Southwark Council is making it easier for non-swimmers to get the confidence they need to enjoy the water.
For some it may feel like they missed the boat when it comes to learning to swim when they were younger but you aren’t alone as Swim England estimates that as many as one in five adults in the UK are unable to swim.
If you are a non-swimmer and a Southwark resident, Southwark Council is offering you the opportunity to learn to swim for free.
For 30 minutes over 12 weeks non-swimmers will learn to move around the pool with confidence, practice skills with swimming aids and begin to feel assured to swim independently.
Free swimming lessons are part of the latest wave of initiatives to help more people lead healthy lives.
Cllr Rebecca Lury, cabinet member for culture, leisure, equalities, and communities said: “Back in 2016 Southwark became the first council in London to run a free gym and swim programme for all residents. Now we are also the only council in London to offer free swimming lessons to our residents. I am incredibly proud that Southwark is once again demonstrating that we are a borough that leads the way when it comes to investing in the wellbeing of our residents and investing in services that help to keep people active at every stage in their lives.”
Residents can book lessons as part of a trial phase of the initiative as follows:
- Adults aged 16-59 can book lessons at Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre
- Over-60s can book lessons at any centre
- Residents with disabilities aged 16 or over can book at any centre
Classes will start in mid-September and run for twelve weeks. From January 2020, lessons for adults 16 and over will be extended to all council-run leisure centres in the borough.
Details about how to sign up for free swimming lessons are available online.
Page last updated: 08 August 2019
