The idea
Swimming lessons for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be provided during the summer holidays.
The 1-2-1 lessons will be conducted by specialised swimming teachers and will take place in Penlan Leisure Centre and Singleton Hospital Hydrotherapy Pool during August. The aim of the lessons will be to introduce those with SEND to the water, teach them potentially life-saving swimming skills, and to begin their learning-to-swim journey. Lessons will benefit their health, well-being and fitness levels.
Family fun sessions will also be held at Penlan Leisure Centre to encourage families with SEND to spend time together in the pool in a fun, safe and friendly environment. The family sessions will be supervised by SEND swimming teachers and support provided if and when required.
What we'll deliver
- Swimming lessons for those with SEND
- Potentially life-saving water skills taught
- A safe, relaxing place to enjoy the water and it's benefits
- The opportunity for SEND families to spend time swimming together
- A free summer holiday activity
Why it's a great idea
The opportunity for those with special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) to learn to swim in Swansea is extremely limited. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in people under 24 years old & it is 160 times more likely that a child with SEND will drown, compared to their peers. Swansea is a coastal city, making water safety for it's residents paramount. The provision of free swimming lessons during August, carried out by specialist swimming instructors, will provide the opportunity for those with SEND to start their swimming journey in a positive way. They will be provided with potentially life-saving skills, learn how to enjoy but stay safe in the water, & hopefully continue with lessons in the future. Family sessions will also be provided to encourage parents of children with SEND to spend time in the water with their children, become confident at taking them swimming & form a positive relationship with water. The experience will have a positive life-long impact.
Steps to get it done
- Advertising for new swimming teachers
- Sending new swimming teachers on specialised courses
- Purchasing new swimming equipment
- Advertising lessons to the SEND community
- Carrying out swimming lessons
This project will enable additional specialised SEND swimming teachers to be trained effectively, as well as new equipment to be purchased. SimpLee Swim Ltd is a not-for-profit Swansea-based swim school exclusively for those with SEND, therefore additional teachers and equipment will not only allow a larger number of SEND swimmers to take part in the project, but it will enable SimpLee Swim Ltd to offer a larger number of permanent SEND swimming lessons after the project has finished.
