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Repton's Head Boy has helped 780 children learn to swim for free
Repton’s Head Boy, Jeremiah Carnegie, has helped 780 children in his home borough of Newham take part in free swimming lessons this summer through an initiative he proposed.
Newham Future Swimmers ran for two weeks at the London Aquatics Centre. Each child attended a 30-minute lesson on five consecutive days, with separate weeks for complete beginners and children with some previous experience in the water. Primary schools across Newham were invited to take part, and families who needed swimming equipment received it free of charge. The children also learned about water safety alongside their lessons.
Jeremiah brought the idea to the London Aquatics Centre, where it grew into a partnership between Everyone Active and Newham and the University of East London Swimming Club (NUEL), the club where he trains when he is home in London. Swimming teachers, coaches and volunteers worked together to deliver the programme.
Demand exceeded the places available. Jeremiah hopes the programme will return next summer and give more children the chance to build their confidence in the water.
Jeremiah told MyLondon that he wanted more local children to benefit from the London Aquatics Centre and to overcome barriers such as the cost of swimming. He brought his idea to the centre, where it grew into a partnership between Everyone Active and Newham and University of East London Swimming Club (NUEL), the club where he trains when he is home in London. Swimming teachers, coaches, and volunteers worked together to deliver the programme.
Alongside this work, Jeremiah continues to train and compete at Repton in breaststroke, backstroke and individual medley events. He also raced at the Aquatics GB Championships in April.