Fylde coast youngsters are getting into the swim – and it could help curb a worrying trend.
Government statistics indicate that drowning is the third largest cause of accidental deaths amongst children in the UK.
Throughout 2006, Fleetwood YMCA and the Wyre & Fylde School Sport Partnership have been operating a free intensive swimming lesson programme to primary school children who are struggling to achieve the KS2 standard of swimming 25metres with a recognised stroke. The scheme has proved a huge success with 46% of children achieving this goal.
Matt Hilton - PDM, Wyre & Fylde SSP said, "Every child should learn to swim. It is an essential skill and is a fun way to exercise. We want to give as many pupils as possible confidence in the water, and the potential to enjoy a whole range of other water sports and activities."
Dave Parker - Manager, Fleetwood YMCA "The partnership is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim. The pilot scheme has already proven that with extra lessons and smaller group numbers more children are able to meet the minimum 25metre requirement, and with the support of our partners we will be able to help many more children reach that target."
Since April 2007, Fleetwood YMCA have been acting as the lead partner working with Fylde and Wyre Borough Councils, Lancashire Education Authority and the Wyre and Fylde School Sports Partnership to deliver the Top Up Scheme to every Primary school aged child in Wyre and Fylde identified through their current swimming schemes as requiring additional support towards achieving Key Stage 2 of the curriculum. The ASA has allocated £17,250 to the partnership over the next two years to ensure the most efficient delivery of the scheme.
