Olympic star brings new pool to Droylsden

Droylsden is now home to a state-of-the-art children’s only swimming facility, thanks to the work of four-time Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington. 

The 37-year-old – who won gold in both the 400 and 800m freestyle in Beijing – recently opened her brand-new ‘Swim!’ facility on the town’s Greenside Retail Park, which aims to make swimming lessons more accessible to 0–11-year-olds. 

With child-sized changing facilities and showers, baby changing areas and a separate air-conditioned viewing gallery, the new pool is designed to provide the perfect environment for both children and parents.   

Droylsden’s Swim! becomes the 14th branch to be opened by Adlington, who, along with fellow Olympian Steve Parry, launched their first site in Warrington in 2017. 

“Everything is catered around children,” the inspirational swimmer told the Reporter ahead of the opening. 

“It’s used for lessons only, and we’re open 7 days a week as well - we just wanted to make it as easy as possible for parents.  

“Swimming lessons can be so stressful, but we want to make them enjoyable, and make sure it’s the best 30 minutes of that child’s week.” 

As well as the superb facilities surrounding it, the pool itself is also a unique selling point for visitors. 

“A lot of pools are much colder, but ours is 31 degrees,” revealed the former Team GB athlete. 

“It’s perfect for babies, because they should really be in pools that are over 30 degrees. 

“And the kids love it as well. Normally you have to spend a few minutes coaxing them into the pool, but here, they can just jump straight in.” 

To add to the fun, the classes follow a weekly theme, such as pirates, movies and sports, with a ‘Star of the Week’ also awarded to the best swimmer. 

But, whilst creating an exciting environment was important, Adlington emphasised that teaching children water safety was at the forefront of the project. 

“It’s so beneficial that we give children access to a pool, it’s absolutely huge,” said Adlington, who also won a duo of bronzes at the 2012 London Olympics. 

“Swimming is the only sport that’s also a life skill. 

“There are so many dangers around water, especially in recent weeks, we’ve all seen  the drownings that have happened. 

“So, for us it’s so important that children get access to lessons so they’re safe around water.” 

For more information, visit: www.swim.co.uk