Thousands of schoolchildren across Rochdale have made a splash this year after the charity Your Trust revealed the positive impact of its school swimming programme.
Designed to help young people develop vital swimming and water safety skills, the data showed that a total of 3,297 pupils, ranging from Year 2 to Year 6, took part in school swimming lessons across Heywood Sports Village, Middleton Arena and Rochdale Leisure Centre during the last academic year.
The programme, which is delivered by Your Trust in partnership with local schools, Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Borough School Games Partnership, has seen fantastic progress with 85% of pupils able to swim unaided on both their front and back after completing lessons.
Additionally, 51% of pupils could swim 25 metres comfortably, which was well above the target of 45% set at the start of the year. A huge 98% of pupils achieved the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) School Swimming Award 1 and 71% passed the STA School Swimming Award 3, which includes demonstrating a reach rescue from poolside to assist a struggling swimmer.
The programme’s success comes against the backdrop of national challenges after Swim England research in September 2021 found that more than 3 million 7 to 11 year-olds in England were not meeting the minimum national water competency standards, with only 4% classed as “water competent.”
Gemma Martin, Aquatics Manager from Your Trust said: “These results highlight the importance of providing all children with the opportunity to develop essential life skills in the water. Key Stage 2 swimming and water safety lessons not only build confidence but also equip pupils with the knowledge to perform a safe self-rescue in an aquatic emergency – skills that could one day save lives.
“These results show the real impact of working together with schools, families and our dedicated swim instructors, helping children reach and exceed their potential.”
Building on the Government’s updated School Sport and Activity Action Plan (July 2023), Your Trust champions swimming as a core life skill, ensuring children across Rochdale have access to high-quality swimming and water safety education.
In addition to delivering curriculum swimming lessons, Your Trust partnered with the Rochdale Borough School Games Partnership to host a series of swimming pool-based events, engaging 56 schools and 414 children in fun and competitive activities, including mini polo tournaments, galas and aqua fun festivals.
For more information about school swimming and aquatic programmes, visit www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk.
