Wrexham Council to finally provide Welsh language swimming lessons for children

Wrexham Council is to start providing Welsh language swimming lessons for children this month.

The sessions, which will be held at Waterworld from February 21, are as a result of a collaboration between the local authority, the Urdd and Freedom Leisure.

It comes after Wrexham Council came under fire in November 2022 amid claims of a three-year wait for Welsh language swimming lessons.

The local authority has a duty to provide swimming lessons through the medium of Welsh.

However persistent issues with recruiting a Welsh language swimming teacher – despite multiple attempts – had made doing so not possible.

The job has since been re-advertised several times, with Councillor Hugh Jones stating last year that the local authority offered “every carrot” to try and fill the vacancy for a Welsh language swimming instructor.

This week Wrexham Council confirmed that every Wednesday – starting 21 February – sessions will take place 17.15 – 17.45 and 17.45-18.15.

Wrexham Council lead member for leisure Cllr Beverley Parry Jones said: “Learning to swim as a child is a great life skill to have, and we’re delighted to now be able to offer that opportunity through the medium of Welsh.”

Gwion John Williams, Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s Senior Sports Development Officer for North and Mid Wales adds: “We are proud to be part of this development at Waterworld, Wrexham and in doing so responding to the needs of local children and young people.

“Ensuring opportunities and experiences through the medium of Welsh are available to our youngsters is central to our work.”

Felicity Griffiths, General Manager of Waterworld said: “Freedom Leisure teach over 12,000 students across Wales and we can’t wait to be expanding our offering even further with our Welsh Language Swimming Lessons at Waterworld in Wrexham.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, Welsh Language Champion at Wrexham Council said: “Whilst we are happy to now have these lessons in place, we aim to continue our commitment to providing swimming lessons in Welsh and are still advertising to recruit (and train for free) Welsh speaking swimming coaches.

“If that sounds like something you would be interested in I encourage you to contact Waterworld on 01978 297300 for more information.”

You can find out more and book the lessons here. There are limited spaces, however waiting lists will be available once lessons are full.