By Grimsby Aquatics Swim School awarded vital funding due to effects of Covid-19
A swimming school in Grimsby has received vital funding from the Swimathon Foundation, helping the school to reopen and continue delivering lessons in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grimsby Aquatics Swim School applied for the grant as part of the foundation’s second Covid-19 Relief Fund, with the aim of rebuilding their business and re-hiring staff in the long term.
The school was established in 2017 and offered lessons for 280 junior swimmers each week.
They also offered one-to-one lessons for adults with learning disabilities prior to the pandemic closure.
With seven full-time teachers, four assistants and four lifeguards, the school initially had to rely on the furlough scheme before having no choice but to let several staff members go.
Louise Reece, Grimsby Aquatics Swim School Director, said: “The funding means a lot to us because all the time we are closed we still have monthly bill payments leaving the bank account but no money coming in.
“It’s been a really hard year, but the grant from Swimathon just keeps our head above the water so that we can still be around to provide swimming lessons again.
“We are very much looking forward to getting back to lessons in both of our pools, seeing all of our swimmers again and re-employing our fantastic staff. We’ve kept ourselves busy during lockdown by engaging with Swim England courses but it’s not the same as being poolside.”
Swimathon Foundation has so far awarded grants to 148 swimming and aquatic clubs, schools and organisations from its Covid-19 Relief Fund.
The first fund was set up in May last year in response to the impact of the pandemic on swimming clubs across the country. Initially, £50,000 worth of grants was awarded to over 100 organisations and individuals last year.
However, the Swimathon Foundation realised that additional support was required, so released a further £30,000 to support the swimming community.
Anthony Kendall OBE, Chair of the Swimathon Foundation, said: “In these difficult times for all swimming organisations, Swimathon Foundation has been determined to play its part in supporting those smaller, local groups that are the foundation of swimming participation throughout the UK.
“We have been taken aback by the amount of people who need help during these unprecedented times. Swimming is a vital community activity and we are proud to play our part.
“Hopefully this funding means Grimsby Aquatics Swim School can continue their great work.”
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