Swimwear Policy

We have introduced a new swimwear policy after finding that parents often avoid water-based activity because of what they have to wear.

We commissioned a nationwide study that revealed one in two mothers in Britain has been put off taking their child swimming due to fear of being seen in a bathing suit. As a result, we have reviewed our swimwear policy to include more modest items as a way of encouraging more parents to take the plunge.

The new policy will allow swimmers to wear tight-fitting garments such as leggings, short and long-sleeved t-shirts and swim dresses. The new guidelines are designed to make swimming more inclusive and tackle some of the barriers that prevent people from taking part.

The survey showed that the insecurity parents feel around body image can prevent them from taking their children swimming. This, in turn, can have a negative effect on children learning the life-saving skill. By introducing a range of clothing that is more closely aligned to active wear, Everyone Active is hoping to tackle this.

The policy has been commended by Rebecca Adlington, and is launching across all Everyone Active’s 96 swimming pools with immediate effect.

“As an athlete and a mother, I am so passionate about getting more children swimming regularly. Some of my best experiences have been through swimming, whether that was enjoying lessons as a child or competing in the Olympics. Thanks to the forward thinking of Everyone Active, we will now hopefully see even more young people having positive experiences in the pool, learning this essential life skill alongside family and friends.”

Rebecca Adlington

Click here to view our swim wear policy.

Document last updated: September 24th 2018