Welsh Government launches national school swimming program for primary pupils

The Welsh Government is funding a £2 million national programme called Nofio Ysgol that will guarantee every primary school pupil in Wales at least 20 swimming and water‑safety lessons a year. The scheme, aimed at Year‑4 and Year‑5 pupils, will begin in up to nine local authority areas in the 2026‑27 academic year and expand to all 22 councils by 2028‑29. Lessons focus on water confidence, self‑rescue techniques and basic swimming ability, complemented by classroom sessions on water safety and open‑water dangers.

Swim Wales, which will deliver the programme, reports that around 66,000 primary‑age children took part in school swimming lessons in 2024‑25, out of 182,000 eligible, with about 26,000 earning the Nofio Ysgol Gold Award. The funding is intended to help schools overcome transport costs and facility access barriers. The programme was announced by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Cabinet Minister Heledd Fychan at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, emphasizing its role in building confidence, safety and an active, healthy lifestyle for children across Wales.