Oldham Active is reminding schools about its Swim School programme, which gives pupils 12 months of free pool access when their school signs up. The charity says the initiative is increasingly important after recent drownings during summer heatwaves highlighted the need for water safety.

The programme has been running for four years and has helped more than 2,000 children practise vital safety skills through regular sessions outside school hours. Swimming and water safety are mandatory in the National Curriculum; by the end of primary school, children should be able to swim at least 25 metres, use a range of strokes effectively and perform a safe self-rescue.

Oldham Active currently works with about 50 schools across the borough to deliver structured swimming lessons led by qualified instructors. The lessons usually run for six months for children in years three to five.

Steve Ferriss, Sport Development Officer at Oldham Active, said: "Learning to swim is a vital, life-saving skill that every child deserves to learn. The recent heart-breaking drownings during this summer's heatwaves are a stark reminder of how critical water safety is. We understand private swimming lessons are beyond reach for many families, and that's why we are passionate about our swim school programme, ensuring all children can master basic water safety. We know confidence in the water grows with regular practice and, by continuing to offer 12 months of free access to our school swim children, we are removing some of the financial barriers and giving children the perfect opportunity to enjoy our pools."

Teachers from schools signed up to the swimming or physical education programmes can also get discounted health and fitness memberships to support their own physical and mental health.

School swimming lessons take place at Oldham Leisure Centre, Saddleworth Leisure Centre, Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, Failsworth Sports Centre and Royton Leisure Centre. Teachers can contact Oldham Active directly for more information about the Swim School programme, free pupil passes and staff discounts.