PLAID CYMRU PLEDGE FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN TO IMPROVE WATER SAFETY SKILLS

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in Wales - Plaid Cymru wants to change that

Today (Monday 28^th July 2025), Plaid Cymru have announced their new National School Swimming and Water Safety Programme, which will provide a minimum school swimming experience for every child in Wales.

The universal programme will consist of 20 swimming and water safety lesson for all primary pupils during Years 4 and 5.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Sport, Heledd Fychan MS, criticised the fact that children and young people in Wales were not being given the opportunity to learn how to swim, with figures released in 2024 showing that only 35% of children in years 3-6 are able to swim - and just 16% in the Cardiff area.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in Wales, with rates of accidental drowning in Wales more than double the UK average. Last year alone, there were at least 18 deaths by drowning in Wales. Heledd Fychan MS said that this situation 'cannot continue'.

Ms Fychan explained that the policy announced today will not only save lives, but is part of Plaid Cymru's commitment to a new and transformative preventative health agenda - treating the root causes of physical and mental illness rather than just the symptoms. Teaching children to swim could lead them to live more active and healthier lives.

Plaid Cymru spokesperson for culture, media and sport, Heledd Fychan MS said:

"Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in Wales, with 18 deaths by drowning in 2024 alone. Teaching our young people how to swim and be safe in and around water is a necessity, not a nice to have.

"That is one of the many reasons why a Plaid Cymru government will invest in our children's safety by providing free swimming lessons.

"Plaid Cymru's new, fully costed, National School Swimming and Water Safety Programme will teach every single child the skills they need to enjoy spending time in and by the water safely.

"By giving children the opportunity to learn to swim, we will also actively encourage children to be healthier - which is all a part of our commitment to a new and transformative agenda for public health in Wales.

"A Plaid Cymru government will provide new leadership and give every child in Wales fair opportunity by equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to stay safe and lead healthier lives."

Fergus Feeney, Chief Executive Officer of Swim Wales, National Governing Body for Aquatics said:

"After several years of campaigning for School Swimming (Nofio Ysgol), we welcome this pledge from Plaid Cymru. Being able to swim is a life skill that every Welsh child deserves to have. Our vision at Swim Wales is Aquatics for Everyone, For Life. Yet today, fewer than 35% of Welsh children aged 7-11 can swim. Without urgent action, tens of thousands of Welsh children every year could leave primary school unable to stay safe in, on, or around water. By having a universal school swimming offer, we can ensure that Welsh children from all backgrounds have the same opportunity to acquire a life skill, to develop their confidence and begin their journey of lifelong physical activity. This would mean that Wales would be the first home nation to have a national programme of this significance in place."