As families plan summer holidays filled with trips to the beach, days by the pool and time spent near open water, Wiltshire Council is backing Swim England’s #LoveSwimming campaign, urging parents to enrol their child into swimming lessons now to help keep them safe.

The campaign highlights the important difference between a child who can swim and a child who is truly water safe – having the confidence, awareness and skills to stay calm and manage themselves in environments such as beaches, lakes and holiday pools.

Building these skills takes time and consistent, structured lessons. Starting early helps children develop confidence in the water, learn how to float and understand how to stay safe in different settings.

Lessons are available for children of all ages and abilities at all Wiltshire Council swimming pools, helping them build confidence, learn vital safety skills and develop a lifelong love of the water.

To support families to get started, the council is offering a time limited promotion until the end of May. New customers can save £25 on swimming lesson enrolment as the admin fee with be waived on sign-up.

International swimmer and broadcaster Michael Gunning, who fronts the national campaign, said: “Summer holidays should be about having fun and making memories together in the water, but for many families, that enjoyment is held back by worry, whether that’s at the beach, lake, by the pool or in open water.

“There’s a real difference between a child who can swim and one who is truly water safe. Don’t wait until you’re packing your suitcase, start lessons now and give your family the confidence to enjoy the water together. The fun and memories you make will be worth it!”

Now in its ninth year, #LoveSwimming is Swim England’s national campaign, delivered in partnership with leisure operators across England, including Wiltshire Council. Each year, the campaign focuses on encouraging more people to get into water and highlights the wide-ranging benefits of swimming, including physical health, confidence and water safety.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, engagement and corporate services, said: “Swimming is one of the most important life skills a child can learn. It’s not just about being able to swim lengths in a pool – it’s about having the confidence and skills to stay safe in and around water, whether that’s on holiday, at the beach or here at home.

“Our leisure centres provide high-quality swimming lessons in a safe, supportive environment, helping children build confidence step by step.

“With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to start or continue lessons. Taking advantage of our current promotion is a great way to get started and give children the skills they need to enjoy the water safely.”

Swim England is urging parents to act now – either by starting lessons or continuing them – to ensure children are confident and capable in the water ahead of the summer holidays.

Helen Marney, Director of Community Participation and Health at Swim England said: “Every summer, families head to the water together, and every summer, tragedies occur that could have been prevented.

“We want to change that.

“Swimming lessons are not just a childhood milestone, they are one of the most important things a parent can do to keep their child safe and not just in the pool, but on holiday, at the beach and around open water.

“The #LoveSwimming campaign is all about getting your children ready to enjoy the water and be safe. If your child is not yet in lessons, start now. If they are, keep them going, water confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but when it does, everything changes for your child, and for your whole family.”

Find out more about Wiltshire Council swimming lessons:
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-swim-school or for more information on the promotion, people can visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-promotions