Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Make swimming lessons mandatory in school from age 5

Closed 778 signatures

What the petition asks

I would like the Government to mandate and provide funding to schools across England for weekly swimming lessons weekly for children over the age of 5, to improve children's knowledge and understanding of the dangers of water and to promote good health.
Research has found children who learn to swim earlier are found to reach major cognitive development milestones including speech, literacy, numeracy and visual motor skills earlier. Learning to swim at an early age should also help reduce the risk of drowning. Swimming is also a social activity, can help reduce obesity, benefit mental health and help promote independence and self-care. This is particularly important for families for those who cannot afford lessons.

Timeline

24 Mar 2023 Petition opened for signatures
24 Sep 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 778
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 24 Mar 2023
Closed 24 Sep 2023

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.