Free swimming lessons are a big hit
Throughout the October half term Islington Council and Better offered FREE swimming lessons for children aged 4-16. Over 300 spaces were allocated across the 4 pools in the Borough. 2022 has been the most popular free holiday swimming programme to date, with over 2500 bookings made across the May, summer and October holidays. During the summer, lessons were also available for families; children under 4 and people aged 60+.
The lessons were designed to improve swimming skills and confidence in the water. Improvements were seen in a variety of swimming attainment categories, including retrieving an object from the bottom of the pool, kicking unaided and swimming further.
Mikael Kiviniemi, Community Sports Manager for Better, said “Swimming is an important life skill as well as an enjoyable form of exercise. It’s been amazing to see so many people take part in the free holiday lessons this year. Our priority is to ensure each person learns to be safe around water and develops their skills to become more confident swimmers”.
If you are interested in booking for term time lessons, please visit the link below for more infromation.
In addition to the free swimming lessons, Better worked in partnership with Islington Council and Summerversity to train the next generation of Lifeguards and Swimming Teachers. Funded NPLQ (Lifeguard) and STA (Swimming Teacher) qualifications were available for young people who live or go to school in Islington. In total 17 people completed the NPLQ course and 11 completed the STA.
Summerversity gives young people aged 13+ who live or go to school or college in Islington the chance to learn new skills, develop interests and talents, make new contacts and most of all have fun.
The Launchpad programme helps young people 16+ prepare for work, careers and further education. Many courses offer accreditations leading to nationally recognised qualifications