Making Waves, Brixton Wings' Free Swimming Programme
We're thrilled to share news of something that has been close to our hearts for some time. Brixton Wings has partnered with Brixton Recreation Centre to launch a free swimming programme and we couldn't be prouder of what's already been achieved.
A Full Circle Moment
This programme was designed by Deba, one of our very own Brixton Wings alumni. That says everything about what we stand for: growing people, and watching them return to give something back to the community they came from.
Every Sunday from 15th March, 3–4pm, young people are getting in the pool at Brixton Recreation Centre for expert coaching, confidence building, and real swimming skills all in a safe, supportive environment.
The programme is made up of two 12-week Learn to Swim blocks, with the aim of taking 20 young people through the full journey.
Why Swimming? Why Us?
At Brixton Wings we work with children and families from predominantly African, Afro-Caribbean and mixed heritage backgrounds. We see every day the talent, energy and potential that exists in our community and we also see the barriers that prevent young people from accessing things that should be available to everyone. Swimming is one of those things.
The reality is that access to swimming is not equal. According to Sport England's Active Lives Survey, 95% of Black adults and 80% of Black children do not swim regularly, compared to 89% of White British adults. More recent data from the Black Swimming Association suggests things have become harder still since the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, with 97% of Black adults now not participating in aquatic activities at all.
For many families, the cost of lessons, transport, and pool access puts swimming out of reach and when it hasn't been part of your experience growing up, it can feel like it simply isn't "for you."
But swimming is about far more than fitness. It builds confidence, resilience, and a vital life skill. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among young people, particularly in communities where swimming is less common. Teaching water safety and comfort in the water is about safety, confidence, and opportunity.
You can read more about Sport England's research here and find out more about the brilliant work of the Black Swimming Association here.
How It's Going So Far
We're two weeks in and the signs are really encouraging and the feedback from families has been genuinely heartwarming.
Week 1 kicked off with 7 beginner participants, all starting from scratch. Some of our young people got back in the pool for the first time in over a year, which took real courage, and we are proud of every single one of them. The session focused on building core skills and helping everyone feel safe and comfortable in the water.
Week 2 and our 7 swimmers are still going strong. We're building towards our target of 10 participants for this block if you know a young person who might benefit, it's not too late to join us.
What Families Are Saying
The response from parents has been really positive. Families have noticed a measurable improvement not just in their children's confidence in the water, but in their actual swimming ability and technique too. One parent shared that her son was initially afraid to get in the water on his very first session but that over the course of the programme his confidence has grown significantly and he is now actively participating and genuinely enjoying it.
We also value honest feedback. One parent noted that the pool temperature was on the cooler side and that their child had experienced slightly different teaching approaches compared to other sessions at Brixton. These are things we want to hear and we'll continue working with the Recreation Centre to make the experience as consistent and comfortable as possible for everyone. We're grateful to all the families who continue to show up and engage with the programme.
How We Allocate Places
This programme is our way of recognising and rewarding young people who invest in themselves and their community. Priority is given to current Brixton Wings attendees especially those who regularly participate in our Strength and Conditioning sessions. Consistent attendance and commitment matter, and this is one of the ways we acknowledge that.
If you or someone you know wants to get involved with Brixton Wings, our Strength and Conditioning programme is a great place to start offering physical benefits and opening doors to wider opportunities. The more you put in, the more you get out.
