Shocking new data reveals, indicating that an astounding nine million British people are non-swimmers. The report emphasizes that one in five adults cannot swim, while the third admits to feeling anxious around the water. Some people are just bold about going into shallow waters.
In addition to this, a quarter said they couldn't teach because their parents couldn't swim. Others said they either had been put off by a bad experience or didn't think swimming was important when they were growing up. The survey was commissioned by EasyJet Holidays to launch Swim School, an initiative that offers free swimming lessons to 1,000 adults across the UK ahead of summer holidays.
The program was developed in collaboration with Triple Olympic champions Tom Dean, National Swim Provider Better, and The Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Speaking to Congress about water safety, Tom Dean said: “As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring that everyone in the UK has access to basic swimming abilities.
“Whether it's with your peers, knowing your limits, or sticking to the area where you can stand, it's never too late to learn how to swim.”
The survey found that 17% of British people grew up without a local pool. Over 100 public pools have been closed across the UK over the past 20 years, with the average pool currently 4.3 miles from people's homes. For some, the nearest pool is over 10 miles away.
The worry is that gaps can grow for years, with 14% of 14% of parents admitting they don't register their children in swimming lessons and they don't intend to teach them either.
Of these, 20% say they don't have time or cite high costs as an important barrier, believing swimming is too dangerous.
It's scary to have one in five people soak their toes in the pool. This makes children swimming on the holidays worried because it can't help if something goes wrong.
However, safety is not the only concern. A quarter of parents report that their inability to swim weakens their holiday enjoyment.
However, more than a third of non-swimmers acknowledged that their lack of skills made them feel vulnerable by seizing the opportunity to take adult swimming lessons.
“We are pleased to announce that we are committed to providing a range of services and services to our customers,” said Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at EasyJet Holidays.
“That's why it's so important for us to highlight the incredible number of adults who can't swim, and we're determined to help change.
“By improving safety and helping more people enjoy the water fully, it also offers life skills that last well beyond the holidays. In partnership with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and Royal Lifesaving Society UK, we are offering 1,000 adults in the UK the opportunity to learn to swim.
“Together, we are closing the gap and taking a meaningful step towards giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water on their days off and at home.”
