Parkwood Leisure, one of the UK’s leading leisure operators, has brought its award-winning Learn to Swim programme to Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre. 

The programme aims to teach children and adults to become competent and strong swimmers to promote safety in the water, incorporating dedicated safety outcomes endorsed by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS).

Launched in partnership with Swim Wales, the Learn to Swim programme is part of Parkwood Leisure’s commitment to grow and enhance Plas Menai’s services following its appointment as the new management provider for the national centre in February. The day-to-day running of the Centre is managed by Parkwood Leisure’s partner, Legacy Leisure. 

Since launching earlier this year, the programme has already been expanded to include Swim Wales Wave 1 level, aimed at children who are starting their swim journey. Higher levels support older children preparing for Swim Club, also encouraging both adults and children to safely partake in swimming to improve their health, fitness, and wellbeing. 

The swimming pool has been a major area of development at Plas Menai, as the Learn to Swim programme gives everyone the opportunity to take part, regardless of any differential factors or circumstances, helping to support swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. The Centre is also recruiting for more Swim Teachers in-line with demand for swimming lessons. 

The success of the programme, which surpassed 100,000 learners last summer, has also received wider industry recognition in recent years, with the scheme being highly commended in two categories at the 2021 and 2022 ukactive Awards.  

Alex Godfrey, Operations Director at Parkwood Leisure, is delighted with the partnership:

“Swimming is a vital life saving skill, and everyone at Parkwood Leisure is proud to support the Swim Wales vision. We are committed to ensuring our programme is accessible to all, giving everyone the opportunity to learn to swim.”

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme and to book swimming lessons at Plas Menai click here