Date: 14/08/2007
Nearly 100 children in the High Peak are able to swim 25 metres thanks to the top-up swimming scheme, run by the Borough Council and High Peak Schools Sports Partnership.
The project was made available to all year 6 school children throughout High Peak who had not attained the key stage 2 level for swimming, which is to be able to swim 25 metres in a competent stroke.
The top-up swimming sessions, were held at Buxton Spa Pool, New Mills Pool and Glossop Victoria Pool in June and July. The children attended the 1-hour coaching sessions on 5 consecutive days, to achieve their 25 metre certificates.
In addition to their certificates, the children received goggles and a 3 month free swim pass.
Glossop Community Transport and Andrews coaches helped to provide transport for the children to the sites.
Councillor Andrew Bingham, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Member for Social and Community Development, said: "I want to say well done to all of the children who attained their level 2 standard on the top-up scheme. It is quite an achievement to learn to swim properly in only 5 hours!
He added: "Being able to swim is not only potentially life-saving, but it is a life-long way to keep fit and a great source of fun. I am pleased that the Council, working in partnership, has been able to help these pupils so practically."
Number of passes at each pool:
· Buxton Pool - 31 children;
· New Mills Pool - 19 children; and
· Glossop Pool - 40 children.
Picture shows, from left, behind, Kerry Gyte - swimming teacher, Mark Warburton - Business Manager of High Peak Leisure, Simeon Colton - Partnership Development Manager, Sally Rafter - swimming teacher, and (front) level 2 achievers, Callum Tilson and Jack Nash.