Water Confidence & Learn to Swim Pilot

This October Fit & Active Barnet will be launching a pilot swimming initiative that is aimed at Barnet residents aged 16 and over from Black and Asian communities who are unable to swim, and/or who would benefit from having more confidence in the water.

“Black people can’t swim” is a harmful stereotype, but what is even more harmful is the truth behind it and the lives lost because of it. Statistics released by Swim England show that 80 per cent of black children do not swim. Worryingly, this figure skyrockets to 95 per cent in adulthood.

Delivered in partnership with the borough’s leisure operator, Better, the swimming initiative will provide an eight-week course of lessons that will support the development of water confidence and commencement of a learn to swim journey. All of which is intended to support participants to feel safe in the water and enjoy swimming with their families and friends.

To ensure a positive experience for participants, 8 spaces are available on the pilot programme.

Programme Details

Commencement Date: Saturday 12th October 2024 and every Saturday for eight consecutive weeks concluding on Saturday 30th November
Time: 16:00 – 17:00
Location: Copthall Leisure Centre, Champions Way, NW4 1PX
Age: 16 and over (open to males and females of Black and Asian ethnicity)
Cost: free of charge. Participants to commit to attending the eight consecutive weekly sessions.

Further information about the project and a week-by-week schedule can be found here.

To secure a place or for more information please contact Andrew.Gilbert@GLL.ORG. Spaces are limited to 8 people and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Barnet Moves + Mobile App

In Barnet you can download a mobile phone app which aims to encourage Barnet residents to get physically active, giving you the opportunity to turn your physical activity into points, redeeming real life rewards at your local Better leisure centre and more!

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