Learn to swim for less. Life-changing £10 a month subsidised swim lessons for 100 Havant children

Swimming lessons for your child could cost just £10 a month instead of the usual £30, thanks to a groundbreaking new partnership between Portsmouth Water, charitable trust Horizon Leisure and Havant Borough Council, which will see 100 Havant children receive heavily subsidised swimming lessons.

The partnership represents more than just swimming lessons, it’s an investment in the local community’s future, helping to make sure every child has the opportunity to develop this important life skill regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Why learning to swim matters

Learning to swim is a key skill that builds confidence and stays with children for life.

We all want to feel safe and have fun near the water, yet statistics reveal that despite being so close to the coast, only 16% of children and young people in Havant swim regularly, compared to 31% across Hampshire. This highlights the need for accessible learn to swim opportunities in our area.

Subsidised programme gives expert swimming lessons

The new subsidised programme offers each qualifying child six months of expert lessons at Horizon’s Havant Leisure Centre.

Classes will start in the first week of September and run until the first week of March 2026, with a two-week break at Christmas.

Children will have one lesson per week, totalling 25 comprehensive lessons that go far beyond basic swimming techniques.

Horizon Leisure’s expert swimming teachers deliver Swim England’s “Learn to Swim” lessons, which cover water safety elements designed to give children the confidence and skills they need to stay safe around water.

Children will learn essential swimming skills and develop confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

More than just swimming

Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer for Portsmouth Water, explains the motivation behind this community investment.

He said: “As a local, community-orientated company, we’ve been inspired by Havant Borough Council and Horizon Leisure’s ambition to support local children and young people to learn to swim.

“The numbers of children able to swim in this area are staggeringly low and, given our proximity to the coast, it’s really important they can access these lessons. Reducing costs for those families already struggling will make a big difference and we’re incredibly proud to be playing a part in this initiative.”

Mike Lyons, CEO of Horizon Leisure, says: “We are passionate about delivering high-quality, inclusive swimming lessons for our community and currently provide swimming lessons to more than 3,000 local children per week.

“We are committed to reducing barriers to access and through this special partnership we will be able to deliver swimming lessons to those most financially vulnerable in our community.”

How to apply

Applications will open in July through Horizon Leisure’s dedicated webpage.

With only 100 places available, families are encouraged to apply early to secure their child’s spot on this transformative programme.

Continuing your swimming journey

Horizon Leisure’s support doesn't end after six months.

Families can continue their swimming journey with Horizon Leisure’s Community Discount programme, ensuring the progress made during the subsidised period isn't lost.

This ongoing support means families can swim together and continue practising skills at reduced rates, making swimming a sustainable part of their lifestyle.

For more details on the subsidised swimming lessons for children, follow the link here.