21 January 2004
A charter to help all children learn to swim safely has been launched with the help of swimming champion Duncan Goodhew in East London.
The Charter gives practical advice to schools and local authorities on planning and organising swimming lessons, with guidance on encouraging more children to take part.
Speaking at a swimming event at East Ham Leisure Centre in Newham, School Sports Minister Stephen Twigg said:
"Swimming is a vital skill. It has great health and social benefits and opens the door to many more sports and activities. This is why it is a compulsory part of the school curriculum for all five to 11 year olds.
"This Charter helps all schools ensure that children are safe and confident in and around water."
Former Olympic medal winner Duncan Goodhew added:
"The Swimming Charter is a useful aid for teachers. It will help those with little experience in swimming and provides ideas for those who already have a working knowledge of the activity."
The Charter is one of a range of government measures to improve school swimming, that include a website offering support in planning and teaching swimming.
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