Andy Salmon: swimming can deliver government’s goals

Swim England chief executive, Andy Salmon, has outlined how swimming can help the new Labour government deliver on some of its key policy missions.

Salmon said swimming should be at the heart of a push towards a preventative health care system – while also improving the UK’s productivity levels through improving the health of those in work.

Speaking following Labour’s victory in last month’s General Election, Salmon said: “The Labour manifesto stated: ‘Prevention will always be better, and cheaper, than a cure – and we must take preventative public health measures to tackle the biggest killers and support people to live longer, healthier lives’.

“We at Swim England agree and are eager to collaborate on the agenda to improve public health and deliver economic growth.

“We believe that swimming is integral to this mission, playing a pivotal role in reducing productivity loss through ill health and building a healthier future.

“Our Value of Swimming report showed that swimming prevents almost 80,000 cases of ill health annually and has the potential to do so much more.

“It can help people to lead happier, healthier lives and, in turn, enhance the economic productivity we need to enable the investment in, and maintenance of, swimming facilities across the nation.

“By investing in these resources, we can create jobs, stimulate local economies and, most importantly, nurture a healthier, more active population – and we will be making this case.

“We know that swimming is much more than just a sport – it is a powerful preventive healthcare tool. Regular swimming can help prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.

“By promoting swimming as a cornerstone of public health, we can significantly reduce the burden on the NHS.”