A new swimming programme at Helston Sports Centre is set to support 60 children aged 4–16.
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Swim Free is delighted to announce the launch of a new partnership with GLL, the not-for-profit workers’ cooperative that runs Better Helston Sports Centre on behalf of Cornwall Council.
Starting from the 22 May 2025, the programme will offer children aged 4-16 from Royal Navy families the chance to learn life-saving swimming skills at no cost.
The swimming lessons will be delivered by qualified instructors at Better Helston Sports Centre, using the Better Swimming Framework developed by GLL. The programme closely aligns with the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework, ensuring safe, structured, and progressive learning tailored to each of the swimmer’s abilities.
Swim Free’s mission is to reduce barriers to swimming and increase young people’s water confidence, whilst supporting the Royal Navy community.
Launched in November 2024, Swim Free is funded by Greenwich Hospital and delivered in partnership with the not-for-profit Andrew Simpson Foundation. The programme has seen swimming lessons taking place at various locations across the UK, including Poole, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Lympstone.
“We’re delighted to be expanding Swim Free to Cornwall and launching this new partnership with GLL. Providing free swimming lessons to young people from serving naval families is at the heart of our mission to build confidence, life skills, and connection through water. This new centre means even more children will have the chance to learn vital, life-saving skills in a safe and supportive environment.” – Josh Atherton, Development Project Manager at Swim Free.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Andrew Simpson Foundation on this exciting initiative,” said Amelia Kitchen, Senior General Manager at Better Helston Sports Centre.
“Community is at the heart of everything GLL does and, with RNAS Culdrose on our doorstep, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach children of serving personnel how to stay safe in the water.”
To book free swimming lessons, or to find out more about Swim Free, visit https://swim-free.org.uk/find-swimming-lessons/
