A 17-year-old swimmer has helped hundreds of children take their first steps in the pool after coming up with an idea to make swimming more accessible in his local community.
NUEL Swim Club swimmer Jeremiah Carnegie was behind Newham Future Swimmers, a programme which gave 780 primary school children free swimming lessons at the London Aquatics Centre this summer.
Jeremiah wanted youngsters in his home borough to benefit from having the world-class facility at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on their doorstep, while removing some of the barriers that can prevent families from accessing swimming.
He said, per Everyone Active: “The London Aquatics Centre is a fantastic venue, and the whole point of the Olympics was to boost the Newham area and borough. I wanted to find a way to make sure more children from Newham could benefit from having such a fantastic facility on their doorstep.
“I wanted to help break down some of the barriers that can prevent children from accessing swimming, particularly primary school children who have never been in a pool before. Hopefully, this gives them the opportunity to build their confidence, continue with the sport and develop a passion for swimming like I have.”
Jeremiah took his idea to the London Aquatics Centre, with NUEL Swim Club and Everyone Active subsequently joining forces to make it happen.
The two-week programme saw every child receive a 30-minute lesson each day for five days.
During week one, 320 children who had never previously swum were introduced to the pool. Another 460 youngsters with some previous swimming or pool experience joined during the second week.
Everyone Active provided pool space and four swimming teachers who volunteered their time, while NUEL supplied four coaches and additional volunteers.
The scheme went beyond simply providing free lessons.
Families without essential equipment including swimsuits, trunks or goggles were given the items free of charge, while children also received daily water safety education.
Each participant finished the programme with a certificate and medal.
For parent Sarah Cole, whose sons Luke and Brooklyn participated, the difference was clear.
She said: “If they’re ever in trouble in the water, they’ll have the confidence to get themselves out of it. I’m so happy with how much more confident they’ve become. We’re going on holiday this year, and it’s reassuring to know they’ll feel safer and more comfortable around water.”
Chris Wells, Contract Manager at the London Aquatics Centre, added: “It has been fantastic to see Newham Future Swimmers come to life and watch so many children build their confidence in the water over the course of the programme. Learning to swim is an important life skill, and giving children the opportunity to develop these skills in a supportive environment can make a real difference.”
Children are being encouraged to continue developing their skills through Everyone Active swimming lessons, with discounted options potentially available to families for whom ongoing costs are a barrier.
And after 780 youngsters took part this time around, Everyone Active and NUEL hope Newham Future Swimmers can return next summer.
Featured image credit: Everyone Active
