Investigating the efficacy of swimming as a social policy tool in England

The study investigated the social purpose of swimming in England through the lenses of stakeholders. Current challenges facing the sport and physical activity sector have emboldened claims that swimming can be used in a more radical way to enhance community development. In contrast, information primarily supports the social value of swimming with regards to individual health and wellbeing, accompanied by several initiatives stressing the importance of learning to swim and having sufficient water safety knowledge. Primary research was conducted through the use of 16 semi-structured interviews to gain the perspectives of individuals working within stakeholder organisations specific to sport and physical activity, health, Sport for Development (SfD) and swimming itself. Findings suggest that the social purpose of swimming, as a social policy, is yet to be realised in a transformative manner, signifying a requirement for more organisational partnership working and local implementation of initiatives.