Speedo has launched Swim United; a purpose-led programme with the sole mission of tackling the barriers to swimming faced by families in the UK.

Developed in partnership with Better (the UK’s largest provider of swimming lessons) and with the support of the Black Swimming Association, Swim United is a long-term commitment to help young swimmers build confidence and skills in and around the water. Phase one of the programme will engage 40 schools across London and include 1,200 intensive two-week swim courses.

The programme was developed as a response to research from Sport England and the Black Swimming Association, which shows that children from marginalised communities and minority groups are at a disadvantage when it comes to learning to swim at primary school. Only 42% of children going to school in the most deprived areas of the country are able to swim, compared to 86% in the least deprived areas. An estimated 532,000 children from ethnically-diverse communities have missed out on swimming lessons due to the pandemic.

Swim United launches with three real stories from families who have overcome their own personal challenges of swimming to find their joy in the water, which can be viewed here.

Global Brand Director at Speedo, Kev McFadyen said “We are committed to getting more children swimming and helping families enjoy time in the water together. We believe that swimming is for everyone and want to help break down some of the barriers that marginalise communities, making them feel like swimming isn’t for them.

“It was important for us to work in partnership with the Black Swimming Association and Better, the UK’s largest provider of swimming lessons, in order to establish the Swim United programme and effect meaningful change. As a collective, we are wholeheartedly committed to swimming for all and Swim United is just the beginning.”

To watch the Swim United swim stories and to read more about the Swim United campaign, visit the Speedo website here.