Families of every age, ability and background are finding their place in swimming pools across England, with more than 8 in 10 parents saying that swimming with their children makes them feel closer as a family, new Swim England research has found.

Swim England has today launched the latest wave of the #LoveSwimming campaign, showcasing how swimming pools are for everyone, acting as community hubs where every age, ability and background belong.

The campaign features three swimmers whose stories reflect the very different barriers that can stop someone from taking their first strokes in the water.

Aghogho, from Plymouth, spent two years on poolside watching his children learn before deciding to get in the water himself. He is now learning alongside them, driven by wanting to enjoy swimming together as a family.

More than half of parents say watching their child learn inspired them to learn to swim themselves, whilst seven in 10 adults who learned to swim later in life describe it as one of their proudest achievements.

Five-year-old Arthur, who has an upper limb difference, used to panic that he was going to sink but, after consistent one-to-one sessions, he has built both his confidence and a genuine love of the water.

More than 8 in 10 parents say their child’s water confidence increased after just a few lessons and 85% of parents of children with additional needs say swimming together brings them closer as a family.

Phoebe, aged three, takes part in parent and child lessons, an experience that her family have described as an incredible journey that has strengthened their bond and built trust after her initial nervousness. Families across England are getting involved in swimming lessons, with seven in 10 parents ranking swimming lessons among their top family bonding activities.

The #LoveSwimming campaign is urging people to start swimming lessons now, with autumn providing a great opportunity for people to begin their swimming journey. Three quarters of pool operators say casual swimming sessions are quieter in the autumn and winter months than at any other time of year, while half say the same about adult beginner lessons, giving newcomers more opportunities to learn and build confidence in the water.

Jenny McAneny-Vincent, Swim England’s Head of Aquatics Competency, said:

"Swimming pools are so much more than places to swim. They are community hubs where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can come together, connect and enjoy being active.

"We know that for some people, getting into the water can feel like a big step. Whether it's a lack of confidence, a disability or health condition, or simply not knowing where to start, everyone’s journey is different.

“Across the country, pools offer welcoming environments, supportive sessions and opportunities for people to enjoy the water in a way that works for them. That’s why there’s never been a better time to give swimming a go.

“Learning to swim isn’t a race. It’s a personal journey that can begin at any age, so why not take that first step and discover everything swimming has to offer?”

By providing an opportunity to learn this essential, life-saving skill, BH Live is helping to make an impact across local communities alongside the South Coast by inspiring more young people to stay active and safe in the water through lessons, low-cost schemes, and regular public swim sessions.

On behalf of BH Live, Bobby Cole, Group Swim & Junior Activities Manager, shared;

“Swimming brings people together. It helps children develop vital water safety skills, supports physical and mental wellbeing, and creates opportunities for families to spend meaningful time together.

“At BH Live, we're proud to provide inclusive and supportive environments where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the water, build confidence, and discover a lifelong love of swimming.”

In Bournemouth and Southampton, young people aged under 5 can enjoy free swimming when accompanied by a fully paying adult at BH Live Active centres. In Portsmouth, under 12s can enjoy free swimming when accompanied by a fully paying adult at BH Live Active centres.

More information about BH Live’s Swimming Academy can be found online at bhliveactive.org.uk/swimming-academy.