Swimming lessons cut back but sessions made longer

Swimming lessons for primary school children between the ages of seven and 11 will be made longer to allow for "more focused learning and instruction".

The lessons are delivered by Manx Sport and Recreation on behalf of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC).

The sessions will be extended from 30 minutes to 45, but the number of lessons will reduce from 26 to 18.

Education Minister Daphne Caine said longer lessons would mean children would "spend more time in the classroom and the pool, with less time spent on the bus and getting changed".

The department said the changes to the length of lessons was part of a "broader effort to ensure all young people in the Isle of Man become proficient swimmers".

The new policy had been developed in conjunction with the schools and swimming teachers, it added.

Twenty-two of the island's primary schools will adopt the new programme from September, with the remainder following in February next year.

Caine said the longer lessons would "better support young people in developing essential swimming skills that will serve them for life".

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