Making Waves Free Swimming Programme
We are so excited to share something that has been close to our hearts for a while now. Brixton Wings has teamed up with Brixton Recreation Centre to launch a free 12-week swimming programme and we couldn't be prouder of how it's going so far.
A Full Circle Moment
This programme was designed by Deba, one of our very own Brixton Wings alumni. That in itself says everything about what we're about growing people, and watching them come back and give something back to the community they came from. A full circle moment indeed.
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 space.
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 how much talent, energy and potential exists in our community and we also see the barriers that get in the way of young people accessing the things that should just be available to everyone. Swimming is one of those things.
The truth is, 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. And according to more recent data from the Black Swimming Association, things have actually got harder since the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, with that figure rising to 97% of Black adults not participating in aquatic activities at all.
For many families, the cost of lessons, transport, and pool access makes swimming feel out of reach and when it's not part of your cultural experience growing up, it can feel like it simply isn't "for you."
Swimming offers more than fitness. For youth, it builds confidence, resilience, and a vital life skill. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among young people, especially where swimming is less common. Teaching water safety and comfort in the water promotes 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 now two weeks in and things are looking really promising.
Week 1 kicked off with 7 beginner participants, all starting their journey from the ground up. Some of our young people got back in the pool for the first time in over a year which took courage, and we are so proud of every single one of them. The session focused on building core skills and helping everyone feel comfortable and safe in the water. The energy in that pool was something special.
[ Week 2 and we're still going strong with our 7 swimmers and we're building towards our target of 10 participants. If you know a young person who might benefit, it's not too late to get involved. ]
How We Allocate Places
We offer this programme to thank young people who support themselves and their community. Priority is given to current Brixton Wings attendees especially regular Strength and Conditioning participants. We value consistent attendance and commitment and reward it through this programme.
If you or someone you know wants to get involved with Brixton Wings, our Strength and Conditioning programme is a great start offering physical benefits and opening doors to opportunities. The more you put in, the more you get out.
