Swim England: Millions failing to meet swimming standards as they stop lessons too early.

More than 3.4 million seven to 11-year-olds in England are failing to meet minimum standards that have been brought in for swimming lessons outside of school, it’s been revealed.

The research, released by national governing body Swim England, found that 96 per cent of youngsters are stopping lessons too early – a figure which has risen slightly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Only 142,000 seven to 11-year-olds – four per cent – are meeting the required grade.

The research also found that while 81 per cent of parents want their children to learn to swim so they can look after themselves if they get into trouble, the majority of mums and dads are taking their children out of lessons before they are able to do so. 

As a result, Swim England is recommending that parents and guardians only consider stopping lessons for their children when they are ‘competent’ swimmers, rather than just displaying confidence in the water.

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