About Us
Who we are and how it all started.
About Us
We are committed to helping children develop the skills they need to become proficient swimmers. Our aim is to create a supportive and fun environment where children can learn and grow, both in and out of the water.
Our experienced volunteers have a passion for swimming and teach the children the most important techniques and safety measures. We believe that swimming is not only a vital life skill, but also a fantastic way to build confidence, discipline and a sense of achievement.
Through our structured lessons, we aim to encourage a love of swimming in children of all ages and abilities. Whether your child is just starting out in swimming or looking to improve their skills, our club offers a range of programmes tailored to their needs. We are proud to use the STA International Learn to Swim Programme, which ensures a comprehensive and effective approach to swimming education.
How did we begin?
In 1969 there was a massive freeze and the whole of the river Stour froze over. Two children were playing on the frozen river when it cracked, as a result they drowned. Shortly after this a child drowned at Mudeford Quay. As a result of this Bill Bentley and George Stonestreet decided that because there wasn’t anywhere for the children to learn to swim they would hire a double-decker bus to collect the children every Wednesday at 6pm from Christchurch car park and take them to Kinson swimming pool. And so Christchurch Swimming Club was founded.
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A message from our Swim Coordinator
Back in 2012, I stumbled across Christchurch Swimming Club and it was everything I was passionate about; teaching swimming in a fun, safe and affordable environment.
It was a club which my son enjoyed being part of from the get go, whilst at the same time I could volunteer.
I was already a swimming teacher in various swim schools, but volunteering at the club gave me a chance to give back, doing something I absolutely love in such a friendly, inclusive club. I feel so lucky to have found it.
Due to my swim teaching background, I guess it was inevitable that I would step forward when the time came to bring additional support to the teachers on poolside, through training and coordinating the lessons. Building on such a strong and brilliant team of volunteers.
It is all credit to the club, that volunteers stay around for a long time. I joke that I will be like Miss Haversham in my later years… stood at the end of a lane, covered in cobwebs!
It is not just the volunteers who are committed, it is also the parents and swimmers. We are also lucky that many stay with us for years, with some swimmers helping out as young helpers as they progress through the club. Often using it as an activity or act of volunteering for their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The club is unique and very special, as are all the people who are part of it. The team are always ready to welcome swimmers with a friendly smile and I feel so very lucky to be a part of it.
A message from our Club President
It’s a privilege to be part of something that believes it can and does make a difference to peoples lives. That is Christchurch Swimming Club.
Over 50 years the Club has helped thousands of children and young people become good and
safe swimmers, building their confidence and contributing to their development. Many have gone on to help as volunteers with the club or pursue activities related to swimming, like water sports or life guarding and even teaching.
If you read the brief history of the club, you will realise that it was founded following the tragic
deaths of two children in the rivers that surround us. It was formed to do something that made a
difference – to make children safe in water.
Therefore, our values are in our history as we deliver affordable and accessible swimming to as many families as possible, teaching awareness , safety and understanding the risks in water. All of our children and young people achieve the key swimming strokes to standards set by the STA.
What would be my message to you all?
Have fun, respect the water and swim safely wherever you are. And when you join us and
eventually bring your own families back – remember the value of a club run entirely by volunteers.
There my be a time we need your support too!
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