Puddle Ducks’ franchisees take to the airwaves to discuss children’s swimming ‘worries’.
Business partners of leading activities franchise Puddle Ducks were recently given the opportunity to voice their concerns over the seemingly ‘invisible crisis’ currently inflicting children’s swimming in the UK.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, there has been a sharp increase in the number of water-related fatalities during the past 12 months. And this has been blamed on restrictions caused by the on-going Coronavirus pandemic.
Swim England, the national governing body for water-based activities such as swimming, diving and water polo, have estimated that around 240,000 youngsters have missed out on the opportunity to learn the necessary skills, as laid down in the national curriculum.
The Government’s national curriculum says children must be taught to swim at least 25 metres unassisted, by the time they leave Primary School. And it was this topic which concerned Puddle Ducks franchisees when they appeared on a number of local BBC Radio stations to discuss the concerns that youngsters were missing out on much-needed swimming activities.
Sarah Austin, franchisee of Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath, appeared on BBC Radio Bristol. She said: “Missing out on a year of swimming lessons has definitely had an impact on children. And with restrictions starting to ease around the country, and families now planning their summer holidays abroad and in the UK, many children are in desperate need of refreshing their swimming skills – or even starting from scratch.”
And since lessons re-started in mid-April, Sarah said that a large number of parents have already contacted her office in the south-west to book swimming time for their children. Other Puddle Ducks‘ franchisees to appear on local radio stations were Pete Weller (of South West London, BBC Radio London); Clive Relf (West Kent & East Sussex, BBC Radio Kent); and Victoria Rowley (East Kent, North Kent & South East London, BBC Radio Kent). The franchise also made contributions to BBC stations in Nottingham and Suffolk.
Since re-opening their doors in April, the company’s 33 business partners have all experienced a sudden surge in interest, indicating that parents are keen to get their children back in the water.
Ruth Nelson, brand and marketing manager at Puddle Ducks, said: “Although our franchisees have been unable to run classes throughout most of the past year, they have still received support. We have kept them up-to-date on changes to regulations, as well as creating media opportunities. Thanks to this recent exposure on radio, we’ve already been inundated with new enquiries.”
About Puddle Ducks: Was founded in 2002 by Tracy Townend and Jo Stone who met at ante-natal class. Puddle Ducks teaches children to swim independently and confidently, while always respecting the power of water. The franchise focuses on essential survival skills and water safety, teaching more than 19,000 youngsters each week across England, Wales and Scotland. Lessons range from birth to 10 years, providing specific instruction to toddlers, pre-school and primary school children. Fun-filled lessons are geared to a child’s ability and confidence level.
