UK kids miss out on swimming because of body conscious mums

British parents see learning to swim as a key skill they want their children to have – coming second only to academic success. Despite this, a new survey commissioned by the British Gas Free Swim initiative, reveals that almost a fifth of parents asked never visit their local swimming pool.

The biggest obstacles for Mums when it comes to taking a dip were lack of time and feeling body conscious. Nearly one in five Mums (18%) say that feeling uncomfortable in swimwear stops them braving the water with the kids, despite the fact that swimming could be the route to body confidence as a great way to help the whole family stay in shape.

While the local pool is overwhelmingly considered an important part of the local community, Dads are perhaps taking swimming less seriously admitting they’d miss the local pub more than the local pool if it were to close down.

With one in five primary school children unable to swim 25 metres - and in some areas just nine per cent of 11 year olds able to swim - British Gas is providing a range of activities designed to get families in the water. British Gas Free Swim, launching today, is offering free family swims at over 500 pools for every British Gas customer.

Former British swimming champion Sharron Davies is backing the campaign to get more families swimming: “British Gas Free Swim is helping more children to swim at a young age which helps them to achieve a lifetime of fun and fitness. Swimming is a great family day out in all weather, helping to keep the whole family active.”

Katie Bosdet at British Gas Swimming says: “At British Gas we have an ambition to create a nation of swimming champions. Free Swim will help families get back in the water and make the most of their local pool over the next six months.”

For more information visit britishgas.co.uk/swimming.

Ten tips to swimming success: British Gas has joined forces with Sharron Davies to offer top tips to encourage families to dip their toes in the pool:

1. Don’t feel you need to be a strong swimmer to participate. If you’re not a confident swimmer, check for the availability of lifeguards in the pools you visit and make sure they’re aware of any concerns you might have.

2. Buy an annual swim pass. This will help you save money, and encourage you to go more often.

3. Set realistic goals. It can be difficult to squeeze another activity into the hectic family schedule, so why not set yourself manageable goals? Start with trying to swim together once a month, and them increase it to twice a month and so on. Before you know it you’ll be in a regular swimming habit.

4. Start a family challenge. Set the kids achievable targets and make sure Mum and Dad match them so the whole family can join in.

5. Join a parents and toddlers group. Children can learn to swim at any age but it’s when they’re still toddlers that the pick it up the most quickly. Many pools offer group swimming lessons for parents and their little ones, which are really great not only for teaching your kids to love the water but also for socialising with other parents in the area.

6. Bring lots of toys along. Kids love buoyancy aids such as swimming noodles and rubber rings and lots of pools provide them for free. Give a couple to your kids and watch them go!

7. Make sure you bring goggles. It sounds like a small thing but many children are put off swimming by the stinging sensation chlorine can cause. Make sure you always have a pair of goggles to hand and watch them explore their underwater world!

8. Look for offers. British Gas customers can make the most of the free family swim offer until March next year. The government are also offering free swims to those under sixteen and over 60, so make sure you find out if you’re local pool is participating.

9. Learn to swim. Lots of pools offer adult swimming lessons – it’s never too late to learn. Why not ask at your local pool and learn with your child so you can make the most of fun family swimming occasions.

10. Go off peak. If you’re feeling self conscious about stripping down to your swim suit, ask your local pool which is the quietest time and make this your weekly visit. Some pools even have women-only sessions which could be a great place to start.