CHILDREN across Warrington are at risk of losing swimming lessons, as LiveWire issues a plea to recruit more swimming teachers.

LiveWire has teamed up with the Institute of Swimming to launch the Swimming Teachers' Academy.

Normally, it costs around £1,000 to become a fully qualified swimming teacher - but this initiative is offering the full course for less than £80.

There are no educational requirements nor is there a need to be an elite swimmer - the course is open to anyone who wishes to take it.

LiveWire is hoping to recruit 10 new swimming teachers across its five locations: Orford Jubilee Hub, Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub, Broomfields Leisure Centre, and Bewsey and Dallam Neighbourhood Hub.

Since coming out of lockdown, the waiting list for swimming lessons in Warrington has grown and grown - there are currently around 2,000 people waiting to take part in LiveWire's swimming courses, including its Ducklings, Learn to Swim, and Adults programmes.

Around 500,000 children in England are waiting to receive swimming lessons; a Swim England survey of swimming pool operators, owners and swim schools found more than four in five are still struggling to meet the demand for swimming lessons – almost 12 months after pools reopened.

Catriona Welch, activities and development lead at LiveWire says: “We have had high numbers on our waiting lists since returning from lockdown, which is due to deliver a reduced programme because of shortages in swim teachers and means children are waiting longer to be able to start their learn to swim journey. 

"With the opportunity to earn almost £13.00 per hour following training, and casual or contracted employment available to the right candidates, we look forward to helping kick start our trainees’ journey into this aspiring career.”

Mark Burns, a stay-at-home dad who was working part-time in a call centre, recently completed his Level 1 and 2 training through one of the training academies: “I absolutely loved the training, and really enjoyed the mentorship given and the confidence it gave me.

"Now I’m qualified and teaching I’m finding it such a lovely job. I love to watch the children progress. 

"It’s great not to be stuck behind a desk and I’ve recently given up my other part-time job to concentrate on my swimming role.

"I wish I had become a swimming teacher sooner!”