Positive results from weekly swimming lessons to boost water safety delivered by Team GB athlete
The intervention programme, run by Swim City, aims to improve the safety and confidence of students who have been identified as weaker swimmers, with staff reporting a positive impact so far.
Weekly swimming lessons are being provided by a former Team GB athlete for students at this South Tyneside school who have been identified as weaker swimmers to improve their safety and confidence in the water.
Swim City teachers have been providing lessons each week for Harton Academy Students as part of an intervention programme, with staff saying the lessons have had a positive impact.
In July this year, it was announced the swimming school, initially set up in Sunderland, had expanded into South Shields.
Swim City was set up by Team GB athlete Jonny Carlisle, from Sunderland, who was one of the UK’s top swimmers before his career came to an end in 2016.
The company turned into a bigger family project when their sister Abigail also got involved as a teacher. She has since gone on to be named as Swim Teacher of the Year last year by Swim England.
Johnny prides the company on offering small classes, where children are practically taught one-to-one, and offers a free lesson a week for children who do not have swimming lessons.
The extra lessons have only been running for around a month, but Johnny said he has seen a positive change in the children’s swimming ability.
He said: “We’re hoping to target children who haven’t had the opportunity before or don’t reach the national curriculum standard.
“All of the children at Harton, by the time they get to the end of Year 8, all of them should be able to do the national curriculum.
“They are enjoying getting into the water, it’s not a chore anymore, we don’t have tears.”
Jordan Mackay, PE Subject lead, said: “We are extremely proud of our new partnership with SwimCity, which is providing our students with access to vital swimming intervention. Students at Harton who have been identified as requiring additional support with swimming are benefiting from weekly lessons delivered by the fantastic team at SwimCity.
“The programme has already made a significant impact, with students making excellent progress in a short space of time. Through regular, structured sessions and intensive instruction, students are developing their swimming ability, growing in confidence in the water and strengthening their understanding of essential water safety skills.
“Many students who were initially hesitant are now demonstrating greater independence, resilience and enjoyment during their lessons. This progress is equipping them with vital life skills that they will carry beyond school.
“We are delighted to see the positive difference this partnership is making and look forward to seeing our students continue to thrive in the water!”