More than 1,000 people signed up to the course nationwide in July and August. Delivered by the Institute of Swimming, the three-hour online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course equips qualified swimming teachers with a deeper understanding of national curriculum requirements, effective delivery methods to teach children vital safe self rescue skills and water safety knowledge to help keep safe in, on and around water. Information about Swim England’s Water Safety Charter, which provides members with exclusive resources, updates and advice to boost lesson quality and impact, is also shared.

In England, school children across Key Stage One and Two participate in school swimming and water safety sessions each year as a mandatory part of the National Curriculum physical education programme.

The CPD course supports the National Curriculum expectation that, by the end of primary school, all children can confidently, competently and proficiently swim at least 25 metres, use a range of strokes effectively and perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations. The CIMSPA-endorsed course awards 1.5 CPD points upon completion.

Rebecca Cox, managing director of the Institute of Swimming and Interim CEO of Swim England says: 'Learning to swim is a vital, life-saving skill that every child deserves to have access to. The heart-breaking drownings during this summer’s heatwaves serve as a stark reminder of how critical water safety truly is. We recognise that private swimming lessons are out of reach for some families and that’s why the mandatory National Curriculum school swimming lessons must focus on fundamental core skills and practical life-saving techniques. In my opinion, learning to swim is just as important as any other core subject, such as maths and science, and we are committed to ensuring every child leaves primary school with the skills and confidence to stay safe in, on and around water.'

Jenny McAneny-Vincent, head of Competency, Swim England says: 'Swimming and water safety are essential life skills that open the door to a lifetime of enjoyment, confidence, competence and safety in, on and around water. By enhancing teachers’ knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence in delivering national curriculum swimming and water safety requirements. This CPD is helping improve outcomes for children across the country.

'It’s fantastic to see more than 1,000 enrolments this summer as, by completing the course, swimming teachers are better equipped to help children develop these vital life-saving skills.'