Spalding pool sees ‘significant resurgence’ in swimming lessons

A leisure provider says it has seen a ‘significant resurgence’ in children accessing swimming lessons.

South Holland district councillor Mark Le Sage, who is also assistant coach at Spalding Water Polo club, raised concerns about a drop in the number of youngsters reaching the national target of being able to swim 25m by secondary school age.

The cost of living crisis and Covid were among the reasons cited.

However, a spokesperson for Parkwood/Lex Leisure, which operates Spalding’s Castle pool, said: “Whilst the Covid restrictions affected the numbers learning to swim at Castle swimming pool, both public and school lessons have seen a significant resurgence since the pandemic.

“Between April and June, public swim lessons averaged over 3,500 attendances per month, matching historic highs recorded in 2022.

“Those attending lessons through their school was up by 1,063 during the same period compared to 2022; a 21% increase, with 29 schools engaged.

“In addition to lessons, the pool accommodates a number of other activities, including lane swimming, family swim, aqua fit, swim clubs and water polo.

“Lane swimming was introduced after lockdown as a means of controlling numbers and enabling users to choose a lane that suits their swim speed and experience.

“It continues to be a very popular format, both with members and those who prefer the pay-as-you-go option.”

The spokesperson added that, in partnership with Swim England, the learn to swim programme at Castle pool ‘ensures that all students can swim safely and confidently’.

“In addition to the extensive weekly programme there are crash courses during school holidays,” they added.

“Lessons cater from three months to adult, whether a complete beginner or those looking to refine technique.

“The programme continues to develop and, as an example, additional Beginner Stage 1 and Stage 2 lessons have recently been added and will run on Thursdays from August 24.”

Coun Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure Centre Delivery praised swimming as a ’fantastic form of exercise’.

“As a council we are always looking at ways to encourage local residents and families to get active and use our leisure facilities in South Holland,” he said.

“Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, and it is important to us that we can provide facilities that can cater to all ages, needs and abilities.

“We are committed to the continued improvement of our leisure offer in the district, as shown by our recent successful £20million Government Levelling Up bid for the redevelopment of the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding, creating a new, state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of activities, classes, equipment and sports for residents to stay active and enjoy.”

More information about swimming lessons is available from www.leisurecentre.com/castle-sports-centre-and-swimming-pool