‘Let’s get youngsters swimming, wherever they dwell’: Olympic champion Tom Dean MBE companions with The Royal Foundation to allow lots of of kids to study to swim

Over 200 youngsters are already benefitting from learn-to-swim packages in underserved areas as a part of a partnership between The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and Olympic gold medallist Tom Dean MBE’s swim faculty, with extra because of be rolled out throughout the 12 months in swimming pools throughout the UK.

Through the partnership, 1,000 younger individuals who wouldn’t in any other case have entry to swimming classes will obtain a package deal of 10 – 12 periods every. This will assist to interrupt down the boundaries that stop them from gaining swimming as a life ability. The Tom Dean Swim School, alongside personally chosen licensed instructors from unbiased swim colleges throughout the nation, will ship the packages, which give attention to the basics of studying to swim and being secure within the water. They will probably be offered in cities and cities throughout the nation, from Birtley to Devon, Hull and Birmingham, with extra classes to be delivered all through the varsity 12 months.

Tragically, little one drowning deaths within the UK greater than doubled from 20 in 2019/20 to 41 in 2022/23i. Although swimming is an important life ability and the one sport that may save lives, virtually one in three youngsters within the UK at present go away major training unable to swim, based on a report from Swim England in May 2021ii.

Ensuring entry to neighborhood swimming pools provide youngsters greater than only a place to swim – they supply a possibility to study life-saving abilities, keep lively and join with others in a secure, supportive setting. These sources are particularly important in underserved areas. This work is a part of The Royal Foundation’s ongoing Community Impact programme which seeks to mobilise distinctive coalitions to assist and develop area people areas the place folks come collectively to create alternatives and enhance entry to actions.

This partnership builds on the achievements of the neighborhood in Birtley, Tyne and Wear, who final 12 months reopened the Birtley Community Pool with assist from The Royal Foundation. They additionally obtained assist from The Tom Dean Swim School senior administration who’ve provided common session and strategic steerage. Since then, the pool – which is led by volunteers and a staff of employees as a not-for-profit enterprise – has had over 88,000 visits by adults and kids to swim.

Tom Dean MBE, three-time Olympic swimming gold medallist, mentioned:

“Every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim and understand water safety. Swimming is a vital life skill that builds resilience, fosters social connection and keeps young people safe when they are in and around water.

“This partnership with The Royal Foundation is supporting so many young people, up and down the UK, to find a pool near to them and dive in. Let’s get kids swimming, wherever they live.”

Melanie Waters OBE, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation, mentioned:

“Over the last year, I’ve been inspired by how much the community has achieved in Birtley, reopening their pool and encouraging so many people to come and swim there.

“This new partnership between The Royal Foundation and the Tom Dean MBE Swim School is an important next step, as we encourage everyone – parents, teachers and children – to see the benefits of learning to swim. Huge thanks to Tom Dean, and everyone at the Tom Dean Swim School, for working with us to bring this project to life.”