More than a hundred children build open-water swimming confidence with free lessons this summer

28 August 2026, Kent: Over the past three weeks, over a hundred children aged seven and over across Kent have built up their confidence in the water and developed vital swimming skills thanks to a new free summer swimming lesson programme from Hangloose Adventure, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. 

Running throughout the summer holidays, the programme has already seen 146 local children take part in supervised sessions at Hangloose Adventure’s open-water lake at Bluewater. Each one practised their swimming skills while learning about water safety and the unique challenges of swimming outdoors. 

According to Sport England's Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, as reported by Swim England, 30% of Year 7 pupils were unable to swim the statutory 25 metres unaided in 2024, while only half of children from the poorest families leave primary school able to swim this distance. The figures highlight the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, skills and experience in open water under qualified supervision. 

With 51 wild swimming spots listed across Kent, including beaches, rivers and lakes, the programme is also helping young people understand the unique risks associated with swimming in open water. While the sessions take place in a controlled environment, children are introduced to factors including changing water temperatures and cold water shock, as well as the importance of staying safe in and around the water. 

Parent Jade Magee, whose two children took part in the programme, said the sessions had given them valuable first-hand experience of open-water swimming and water safety. 

“Both my children enjoyed the EDC swim, the instructors were very nice and made the session very informative. I feel these sessions are crucial as it gave them live experience of water temperatures both in the sun and in the shade. They were given information on cold water shock, and both were surprised by how cold the water was even when it’s so warm outside. 

“It opened up my children's eyes to wellness and safety.” 

Delivered at Hangloose Adventure’s 135m x 118m open-water lake, with depths of up to 6m, at its Bluewater site in Kent, the sessions are running every Friday until 4 September 2026, with two sessions taking place each week – one for primary school pupils and one for secondary school pupils. 

Led by a qualified swimming instructor, each session welcomes up to 30 children with lessons taking place at 3pm and 4pm. To take part, pupils must already be able to swim 25 metres unaided. 

Children from the following local schools have so far attended: 

Primary schools: 

• Rosherville Church of England Primary Academy 
• The Craylands School 
• Knockhall Primary School 
• Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard 
• Ebbsfleet Green Primary School 
• Springhead Park Primary School 
• Lawn Primary School 
• St Botolph’s Church of England Primary School 
• St John’s Catholic Primary School 
• Manor School 

Secondary schools: 

• Alkerden Church of England Academy 
• Ebbsfleet Academy 
• Stone Lodge School 

Brian Phelps, Managing Director of Hangloose Adventure, said: 

"We're delighted to have opened up our open water lake to local young people through this partnership with Bluewater and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. Summer holidays should be a time for children to try new things, stay active and create lasting memories, so we’re proud to be able to provide opportunities that might not otherwise be available. 

“As well as developing essential swimming skills, the sessions will introduce children to the benefits of open water swimming, helping them build confidence in the water, spend more time being active outdoors and experience the positive impact that connecting with nature can have on their wellbeing. 

“We hope every child who takes part leaves with a sense of achievement, new friendships and a positive experience they'll remember long after the summer ends." 

Sara Waller, Chief Executive of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation said:  

"This programme is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations come together to create opportunities for local communities. Through our partnership with Hangloose Adventure and Bluewater, hundreds of local young people will have the chance to develop valuable swimming skills, build confidence and learn more about staying safe in and around the water. 

"As Ebbsfleet continues to grow, we are committed to creating healthy, active and connected communities where children and families can access opportunities that support their wellbeing. We hope every child taking part enjoys the experience and leaves with greater confidence, new skills and lasting memories." 

Ends

Editors notes

Hangloose Adventure is home to some of the UK’s most extreme attractions, including England’s longest and fastest zipwires, Europe’s biggest swing, and the UK’s only outdoor indoor skydive machine. With two award-winning locations - at the Eden Project in Cornwall and Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent — Hangloose combines record-breaking thrills with stunning backdrops, from dramatic Cornish cliffs to a unique urban lakeside setting. Alongside its headline rides, visitors can also enjoy high ropes courses, freefall jumps, aqua parks and more, making Hangloose the ultimate destination for unforgettable family days out and group adventures.