Who we are

A movement built around water

Everyone Swims CIC exists to make water accessible for everyone.Through swimming, aqua fitness, water safety, wellbeing programmes and community experiences, we help people build confidence, improve health and develop a lifelong connection with water.

Our mission

We advance health, wellbeing and education through swimming and water-based activities.

Too many people still face barriers to participation through cost, confidence, culture, disability, language and access.

Everyone Swims CIC exists to change that.

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Why it matters

Access to swimming is a public health issue.

For some, it's learning to swim. For others, it's joining an aqua fitness class, discovering open water, supporting a child's first splash, recovering through gentle movement, finding a community, or simply building the confidence to step into a pool for the first time. Being in and around water can improve physical health, support mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness and create moments of joy, achievement and connection. It helps people become more active, more confident and safer around water throughout their lives. Yet millions of people remain excluded because of cost, confidence, culture, disability or a lack of opportunity.

"We're on a mission to get One Million People Into Water. Because access changes lives."

Janice Oliver

The Facts

Nearly 1 in 3 children leave primary school unable to swim the expected 25 metres. In England's most deprived communities, only 45% of children can swim 25 metres, compared with 76% in the least deprived communities. Millions of adults across the UK cannot swim or lack the confidence to be safe in the water. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, while swimming has been shown to improve physical health, reduce anxiety, improve sleep and support lifelong wellbeing.

Governance

Our Four Pillars Of Impact

Our four pillars reflect the objects set out within our Articles of Association and guide how we design programmes, partnerships and community impact.

Advance health and wellbeing

We use swimming and water-based activity to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence and quality of life across all ages and communities.

Education and Water Safety

We teach swimming, aquatic skills and water safety to help people build lifelong confidence, independence and safer relationships with water.

Equality and Inclusion

We create inclusive opportunities for people who are often excluded from aquatic activity due to cost, confidence, disability, culture, language or lack of access.

Community Aquatic Spaces

We support the development and long-term sustainability of accessible community swimming spaces, including community-led pools and local aquatic facilities.

What we stand for

Built on seven values

Getting one million people into water starts with people. These seven values guide every decision we make as we work to build safer, healthier and more connected communities through water.

Achievement

Inclusion

Safety

Confidence

Community

Wellbeing

Courage

Our story

Creating more accessible, inclusive and community-led opportunities through water

Everyone Swims CIC was created because too many people are still excluded from the benefits of water. Across Gloucestershire and the surrounding communities, the barriers are often the same: cost, confidence, culture, disability, accessibility and opportunity.

We believe water should be accessible to everyone. That's why we create opportunities for people to learn, move, connect and thrive through water. From swimming lessons and water safety education to aqua fitness, wellbeing programmes and community initiatives, our work is focused on creating healthier, safer and more connected communities.

Today, Everyone Swims CIC is growing through partnerships, programmes and community initiatives, all working towards one ambitious goal: getting one million people into water.

Not-for-profit CIC

Structured for community benefit.

Asset-locked

Protecting long-term community purpose.

Annual report

Published annually for transparency and accountability.

"Had a fantastic first Aqua class with this group and the vibe was brilliant. Not only did we manage to get a work out in the pool and lose calories , we had fun meeting new people and reacquainting ourselves with old friends. "

Sophia Haq Community Champion

Join the movement

Founded on inclusion

Subsidised access built in from day one

Ready to begin?

Access swimming and water-based pathways designed around community, wellbeing and long-term participation.

Explore programmes

Not sure which level is right for you? Get in touch and we'll help.