The Swim Free programme has just announced the launch of a new centre and courses for the 2025/26 academic year.
Following on from the previous announcement of continued funding, the programme has now expanded to nine locations nationwide, offering free swimming lessons to children and young adults from serving Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary families.
Swim Free is delivered by the Andrew Simpson Foundation and funded by Greenwich Hospital.
New swimming blocks have just been launched at locations including:
- Yeovil at Goldenstones Leisure Centre
- Portsmouth at the BH Live Mountbatten Leisure Centre
- Poole at BH Live Corfe Mullen and Poole Swim Academy
These centres now form part of the Swim Free network already running across the UK, with more set to launch over the coming months.
Alongside its popular parent & child classes and learn-to-swim sessions, Swim Free is also proud to introduce it is now offering Rookie Lifeguarding courses in Portsmouth and Plymouth.
Delivered through Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme, the courses support people aged 8+ to take their first steps into lifeguarding. The fun and engaging sessions help to build confidence in the water, while developing vital skills in teamwork, leadership, survival, rescue, and lifesaving.
“We’re delighted to see the Swim Free programme grow and reach more Royal Navy families across the UK,” said Sam Weeks, Outreach & Communications Manager – Andrew Simpson Foundation.
“By adding new centres and launching Rookie Lifeguarding, we’re not only teaching young people essential swimming and water safety skills, but also showcasing to them they can take on future opportunities in lifeguarding and other water-based environments.”
The Swim Free programme will continue to expand throughout 2025/26, with more lessons, centres, and opportunities being added across the UK.
