Welsh Government Launches Nofio Ysgol Swimming Programme

The Welsh Government has launched Nofio Ysgol, a universal swimming and water safety programme for Years 4 and 5 pupils, beginning in nine local authorities. The first phase, which started this month, will deliver a minimum of 20 hours of lessons to children in Welsh maintained primary schools across those areas.

Nine councils are participating in this initial rollout. The programme will be extended to every local authority in Wales within the next three years, with a full national expansion planned for 2028. The participating authorities in phase one are:

Government and partner support

Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan stated the programme aims to give every pupil a foundation for lifelong physical and mental wellbeing. She thanked Swim Wales and the nine pathfinder authorities for preparing the scheme. Heledd Fychan said the programme's hopes are not solely about swimming, but about nurturing habits that enhance pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Fergus Feeney, Chief Executive of Swim Wales, said Nofio Ysgol represents a significant step forward in ensuring every child in Wales has the opportunity to learn essential swimming and water safety skills. Swim Wales is delivering the programme in collaboration with the Welsh Government and the local authorities.

Launch event details

The official launch took place on 23rd September at Penlan Leisure Centre in Swansea. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Minister Heledd Fychan attended, watching a lesson from the poolside. Children wore blue Nofio Ysgol caps and kits and used float boards during the session.

Rhun ap Iorwerth emphasised the importance of the initiative. Learning to be safe and confident around water is a key life skill and one which you can use from childhood through the rest of your life, he said. He expressed his anticipation for seeing Nofio Ysgol grow across the whole of Wales. In Swansea and Carmarthenshire, every Year 4 and 5 pupil is receiving at least 20 hours of free lessons this term. The curriculum covers water confidence, self-rescue techniques, and basic swimming proficiency.

Local context and exclusions

While the programme is active in Swansea, not all local leisure centres in the region are involved in the same way. Six council-owned centres in Swansea are operated by the not-for-profit trust Freedom Leisure and are part of the delivery. These are Penlan, Morriston, Bishopston, Cefn Hengoed, Penyrheol, and the Elba. The LC in the city centre is a leisure centre but is not listed among these six. Also, the neighbouring local authorities of Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend are not included in this first group of nine councils.

The programme is planned to extend to every local authority in Wales by 2028.