'Swimming could save your life' – Northampton club issues warning as fewer people take lessons

Northampton Swimming Club is reminding residents of the importance of knowing how to swim, after seeing a reduction in people learning the skill.

Head coach Andy Sharp says the club provides swimming lessons and competitive swimming training for more than 700 people aged six months to those in their 80s.

The club has gone on to produce seven Paralympians, including Maisie Summers-Newton MBE.

But Andy says the club, and others across the country, are seeing a drop in the number of people learning how to swim.

He said: “Unfortunately, we are seeing a reduction in people learning to swim and this is having a significant impact across the country both in terms of safety and performance levels in competitive swimming.

“Lack of available facilities, facilities closing down, increased costs for swimming clubs, lack of education and unfortunately swimming lessons are not prioritised at schools compared to previous generations. Children are joining the sport late with a lack of basic skills.”

Andy says the best age to start learning the skill is with parent and baby sessions as soon as babies have had their jabs.

He added: “Swimming is a life skill and the only sport that could save yours or someone else’s life one day. We live in an island surrounded by water.

“Being able to swim opens up many more opportunities for people both young and old to be safe and confident – pool swimming, diving, boating, fishing, triathlons, open water swimming, physical health, mental health and social health to name a few! We regular offer camps and clinics and have a big focus on open water swimming.”

The club was formed in 1970 and is a not-for-profit organisation which holds sessions at locations across Northampton.

Swimmers under the club’s guidance have gone on to win medals at the World Championships, European Championships, Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games.

Andy said: “We are the only lesson provide that provides an outlet from swimming lessons to competitive swimming. We have performance squads, competitive squads, development squads, masters squad and a water safety squad.

“Our swimming sessions are led by fully qualified teachers and coaches and we provide an environment where swimmers are able to develop their skills and be safe in and around water.

“I have been teaching and coaching for 21 years now and have been fortunate to meet so many great people and help people achieve their goals.”

Visit www.northamptonswimming.com for more information.