New research highlights the powerful benefits of swimming for children’s wellbeing

Following new research from Swim England’s #LoveSwimming campaign, which highlights the wide-ranging benefits it provides to children, Wiltshire Council is encouraging families to take advantage of the swimming lessons available at its pools.

The research shows that swimming lessons do far more than teach a life-saving skill. They help children build confidence, focus and resilience, qualities that support them both in and out of the classroom.

As children settle into the new school year, swimming lessons can play a vital role in helping them manage stress and anxiety. According to the research, 84% of parents say their child’s mood improves after a swimming lesson, with many noticing increased self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

The benefits of swimming lessons extend into the classroom too. Nearly eight in 10 parents reported improvements in their child’s concentration and attention span, with lessons helping children become more engaged and ready to learn.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services at Wiltshire Council, said: "Swimming is not only a fantastic way to stay active, but it’s also a vital life skill. Our swimming lessons offer children the chance to build confidence, improve their wellbeing, and learn something that could one day save their life.

"Whether they’re just starting out or working towards a specific goal, lessons help children thrive both in and out of the water. We’re proud to support opportunities that help young people stay healthy, happy and engaged."

Wiltshire Council offers Aqualetes swimming lessons at its leisure centres, designed to support children of all ages and abilities. These lessons are structured to help children progress at their own pace, while building essential water safety skills and confidence.

Parents can find out more and book lessons by visiting www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-swim-school

Leon Taylor understands these benefits both as a parent and as a former competitive diver, winning silver at the Athens Olympic Games, he said, “We all know the start of a new school year can feel overwhelming for children, whether it’s their very first day or just moving up a year – I’ve seen it first-hand with my five-year-old son, Ziggy.

“Ziggy attends swimming lessons regularly, and we also swim together just for fun – it’s incredible to see how much confidence and calm he gains from being in the water. Those are just some of the qualities he’s gained from swimming, and he carries them into everything else he does.

“Parents are seeing it clearly, lessons improve confidence, lift moods and even help reduce anxiety. It is about much more than learning to swim; it is about learning to thrive.”

Alex Barrett, Swim England’s Senior Technical Aquatics Manager, added, “Swimming teachers see it every day, children leave the pool happier, more focused and ready to take on challenges.

“What is striking in this research is how consistently parents connect swimming with improvements in their child’s wellbeing, from confidence and resilience to concentration and learning.

“Swimming lessons play a vital role not just in keeping children safe, but in supporting their development and their success at school. That is why Swim England believes every child should have the opportunity to start lessons from the earliest age.”