Olympic gold medalist Tom Dean has started a new program to teach kids how to swim for free. He kicked off the effort at Birtley Community Pool in Gateshead on September 21, 2025, aiming to help 1,000 children in underserved spots across the UK build key water safety skills.
This move comes as more young people leave school without knowing how to stay safe in water. Dean, a three time Olympic champion, wants to change that by offering lessons that focus on basics like swimming 25 meters and understanding risks around pools, rivers, and beaches.
The Big Launch at Birtley Pool
Tom Dean made waves at Birtley Community Pool with his latest visit. He met with local kids, instructors, and community leaders to announce the free swim packages.
This is not his first time at the pool. Back in 2024, Dean joined Prince William to celebrate its reopening after locals raised funds to save it from closure. That event highlighted the need for community spots where people can learn to swim.
Now, a year later, Dean returned to spotlight his new scheme. He shared stories from his own career, inspiring the young swimmers. The pool, once at risk, now stands as a symbol of what community effort can achieve.
Kids at the event got a chance to splash around with the star athlete. Dean stressed that swimming builds confidence and keeps people safe, no matter their background.
Partnership with The Royal Foundation
Dean teamed up with The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales for this project. This group focuses on community impact, and swimming fits right in with their goals.
The partnership will deliver 1,000 free learn to swim packages in 2025. These sessions target children from deprived areas, including places like Gateshead, Sunderland, and Devon.
Certified instructors from the Tom Dean Swim School will lead the classes. They come from independent swim schools across the country, ensuring quality teaching.
This collaboration builds on past royal support for water safety. Prince William has praised efforts like this, noting how pools like Birtley bring people together.
| Key Partners | Role in the Program |
|---|---|
| Tom Dean Swim School | Provides instructors and curriculum |
| The Royal Foundation | Funds and supports community outreach |
| Local Pools like Birtley | Hosts lessons and events |
Why Swimming Matters as a Life Skill
Too many kids in the UK miss out on swimming lessons. Recent data shows that more than one in four British children leave primary school without basic swim skills.
Dean points out this gap as a major issue. He believes every child should know how to swim at least 25 meters to stay safe.
Swimming offers more than just safety. It boosts physical health, mental well being, and social bonds. For underserved kids, free access can open doors to new opportunities.
Experts agree. Groups like Swim England back these programs, saying they reduce drowning risks and promote active lifestyles.
- Builds physical fitness and coordination
- Teaches water safety to prevent accidents
- Boosts confidence and social skills in group settings
- Helps with mental health through exercise and achievement
Without these skills, children face higher dangers near water. Dean’s initiative aims to fix this by starting with the basics.
Expanding to More Areas
The program will roll out beyond Gateshead. Plans include reaching kids in Sunderland, Devon, and other spots where access to pools is limited.
Dean mentioned Hull as another location for his swim school efforts. This expansion ensures the benefits spread widely.
Local leaders in these areas welcome the help. In Sunderland, for example, community groups see it as a way to tackle health inequalities.
Future goals include tracking progress and possibly adding more packages. Dean hopes to inspire other athletes to join similar causes.
Challenges and Broader Impact
Not every community has a pool nearby. Closures like the one Birtley faced in 2023 show the ongoing struggle to keep these facilities open.
Dean’s program addresses this by partnering with existing sites and pushing for more funding. It ties into national talks about sports access after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
On a larger scale, this fits with trends in youth health. Recent events, like the 2025 Swimming World Championships, keep swimming in the spotlight.
By focusing on free lessons, the initiative could lower barriers for families hit by rising costs. It also encourages parents to get involved, creating a ripple effect in communities.
Looking Ahead for Young Swimmers
Tom Dean’s drive comes from his own success. As a Tokyo and Paris gold winner, he knows swimming can change lives.
He urges more support for such programs. With drowning rates still a concern in the UK, these lessons could save lives.
The scheme plans to monitor how many kids gain skills by year’s end. Early signs from the launch show strong interest from families.
What do you think about free swim lessons for kids? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to help more children get involved.
