NEARLY nine million British adults are still unable to swim, according to shocking new research.
A study of 2,000 adults found 17 per cent have no swimming ability whatsoever, 33 per cent don’t feel confident in the water, and 42 per cent will only brave the shallow end.
New study reveals that 17 per cent of adults have no swimming ability[/caption]
Olympic swimmer, Tom Dean, is helping adults learn to swim this summer[/caption]
This is part of EasyJet’s new initiative that’s offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK[/caption]
Despite swimming and water safety being on the national curriculum, one in five said they weren’t offered lessons at school,
Also, a further 24 per cent didn’t get taught because their parents couldn’t swim.
Others were put off by a bad experience, or didn’t see swimming as important when they were growing up.
The research was commissioned by EasyJet, as part of an initiative that offers free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK ahead of the summer holidays.
The programme has been developed in partnership with Triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean, national swim provider Better, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Tom Dean, who has spoken to Parliament about water safety, said: “As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to basic swimming competencies.
“Whether it’s staying with a buddy, knowing your limits, or sticking to areas where you can stand, it’s never too late to learn how to swim.”
The research also revealed that 17 per cent of Brits grew up without a local pool.
More than 100 public pools have closed across the UK in the past 20 years – with the average pool now 4.3 miles from people’s homes.
For five per cent, the nearest pool is more than 10 miles away.
Worryingly, this gap could grow in the years ahead – with 14 per cent of parents admitting they haven’t enrolled their children in swimming lessons and don’t plan to teach them either.
Of these, 20 per cent say they don’t have the time, 15 per cent cite high costs, and 13 per cent believe swimming is too risky.
Despite this, 31 per cent of parents worry about their children swimming on holiday because they can’t swim themselves.
A further 32 per cent fear they wouldn’t be able to help if something went wrong, and 18 per cent wish they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool – but can’t.
Meanwhile, 25 per cent say their lack of swimming ability affects how much they enjoy their holidays.
Nearly one in five are too scared to get in the pool at all, and 11 per cent have avoided beach holidays altogether because of it.
But now, 35 per cent of non-swimmers would take lessons as adults if given the chance – with 23 per cent admitting their lack of ability makes them feel vulnerable.
Top 10 barriers to learning how to swim as children
1. It wasn’t seen as important growing up
2. School didn’t offer a learn-to-swim programme
3. Parents couldn’t swim so didn’t teach them
4. Parents didn’t have time to take them to lessons
5. A bad early experience
6. No pool nearby
7. Seen as too dangerous
8. No time during school
9. Not part of their culture or religion
10. Too expensive
Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe’s favourite destinations.
“That’s why it’s so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can’t swim – something we’re determined to help change.
“By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we’re also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim.
“Together, we’re taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.”
Tom Dean is a triple olympic gold medalist[/caption]
The survey showed that 33 per cent of adults don’t feel comfortable in the water[/caption]
Dean is passionate about ensuring every Brit has basic swimming competencies[/caption]
17 per cent of Brits grew up without a local pool[/caption]
