Olympic gold medallist Calum Jarvis paid a special visit to Dilton Marsh Primary School to see a new swimming initiative in action, helping pupils gain vital water safety skills and confidence in the pool.
For the past three weeks, pupils have been enjoying daily swim lessons in an indoor, heated, pop-up pool set up on the school playground, as part of the Swim:ED programme.
Headteacher Jude Clements said, “Mrs Davis, the children’s swim teacher, was supported each day by Tom, the lifeguard, to ensure the children developed their confidence, ability and skills in the water.
“They learned various life-saving techniques and swimming strokes, as well as having lots of fun! Calum was really impressed by the project. This initiative has provided not only essential life skills but also lifelong memories for the children at Dilton Marsh.”
Calum has represented Great Britain at the Olympics and World Championships, winning gold medals in the 4×200m freestyle relay at both events. He also represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games, where he won a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle in 2014.
Calum said, “I’m honestly blown away by the Swim:ED programme and the difference it’s going to make in building young people’s confidence.
“It’s not just about learning to swim, it’s about helping children feel strong, capable and safe in the water – especially those who might never have had the chance before. Seeing a programme like this that focuses on giving young people the tools to believe in themselves is incredibly inspiring.
“Swim:ED is creating a real change by showing children that they can do hard things and that kind of confidence stays with them far beyond the pool.”
Pictured: Calum Jarvis with pupils from Dilton Marsh.
