Swim England’s Start Para-Swimming is a new model to help provide a pathway from learn to swim (LTS) into a club’s entry point. A key part of the model is to support working relationships between clubs and local leisure operators.
Start Para-Swimming focuses on identifying and developing those with an eligible impairment, at stage 4 of the LTS framework.
Start Para-Swimming is about establishing or using existing pool time to deliver weekly sessions to enhance and develop skills, with the final outcome being for swimmers to progress into a club’s entry-level session.
Funding is available. There is a maximum grant of £1000 per club to become a Start Para-Swimming centre. Active hub clubs are encouraged to apply. Details of what can be funded are in the Start Para-Swimming expression of interest (EOI) form.
All Start Para-Swimming centres are expected to be sustainable and have permanent sessions. The model enables clubs to assess skills (see assessment records) and direct swimmers, where appropriate, onto other opportunities.
Start Para-Swimming resources are available, including a 10/12-week guide for session plans and flyers to help advertise sessions. The Swim England and South East Region websites will list the Start Para-Swimming centres to help promote their good work. When swimmers contact the region they will be directed to the nearest Start Para-Swimming session.
South East Region clubs should complete and return the EOI form to Helen Mack, the South East club development officer – helen.mack@southeastswimming.org by Friday 13 September.
This project is being supported through the regional office and Swim England’s para-swimming talent team.