Aquatic Development

Swimming

‘Every child should be able to read, write and Swim’

The aquatics opportunities provided throughout included free swim initiative learn to swim programme, competitive swimming and swimfit. We work very closely with the Welsh Assembly Government, Sport Wales and Leisure Centres to implement these programmes.

The free swim initiative is supported, developed and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Sport Wales, to encourage U16’s and over 60’s to participate in aquatic opportunities throughout the year and school holidays. The holiday sessions are primarily aimed at U16’s in a variety of aquatic disciplines to include water polo and snorkelling.

The learn to swim programme is running in all 6 swimming pools in the borough, following the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) and through the school swimming programme with the aim of all 11 year old being able to swim a minimum of 25m.

Aims

The current aims of the development of aquatics are:

  • Providing high quality support, advice and information regarding Aquatic Development.
  • Facilitating in developing new and existing clubs within CCBC.
  • Increasing the opportunities for children to learn how to swim.
  • Increasing the opportunities for school children to access School Swimming lessons.
  • To provide training opportunities to up skill existing staff and new staff.
  • Implement the Free Swim Initiative.

What has already been achieved?

One of the key successes has been linking up with Primary Schools in the Upper Rhymney Valley area. The schools have had the opportunity to send children along to free swimming lessons during the school holidays and transport has also been provided. Through this scheme the children have achieved from a minimum of Stage 1 right up to Stage 6 of the National Teaching Plan, and they have also been given the opportunity to carry their on with their newly learnt swimming skills into Council run swimming lessons. Another success has been working in partnership with the Disability Sport Officer Paul Taylor and setting up a very successful disability swimming programme, which runs in all 6 swimming pools across the authority. This programme runs parallel to the mainstream swimming programme, to allow for a greater chance of integration.

Clubs & Activities

There is one main swimming club, which is Caerphilly County Swim Squad. The club runs on a weekly basis every day of the week and their details can be found on the Caerphilly County Swim Squad website.

The leisure centres provided a variety of aquatic activities, for more information please follow the link www.caerphilly.gov.uk/leisurelifestyle

Volunteering & Coaching

If you would like to become involved in volunteering & coaching for Aquatics, please contact Nicola Green on details below.

Funding Opportunities

There are opportunities for new and existing clubs to gain access to funding to provide more opportunities for people to become more active within the community, to see if your club is eligible please contact Nicola Green.