________________________________________________________________________
Everyday Swim
Aquaterra Adult swimming Lessons' Survey
________________________________________________________________________
Submitted to:
Annabel Kehoe
Islington Everyday Swim co-ordinator
Amateur Swimming Association
Ironmonger Row Baths
1-11 Ironmonger Row
London
EC1V 3QF
Submitted by:
Steve Bullough
Sport Industry Research Centre
Faculty of Health and Wellbeing
Sheffield Hallam University
Collegiate Hall
Sheffield
S10 2BP
Tel:
+44 (0) 114 225 5927
Fax:
+44 (0) 114 225 4341
Email
s.j.bullough@shu.ac.uk
http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/sirc/
CONTENTS PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................3
2. METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................3
3. KEY FINDINGS...............................................................................................................3
4. CONCLUSIONS………...................................................................................................9
2
1. INTRODUCTION
This report is a presentation of the results from an online survey to the participants of the Aquaterra free
adult swimming lesson programme in Islington. Participants were invited to complete a short online survey
looking at the different aspects of their swimming lesson experience in order to gather feedback to identify
areas of success, any areas for potential improvement and the impact the lessons had on the individual.
2. METHODOLOGY
All those people who had registered for adult swimming lessons were sent an e-mail link on the 19th
December to an online survey hosted by Sheffield Hallam University. An incentive of 5, £50 vouchers at
Marks and Spencer for early completion led to 78 completions by the prize deadline. A reminder e-mail
was then sent out which achieved a further 30 responses. Overall, out of the 235 people on the database
who received the free adult swimming lessons, 108 completed responses were received, a response rate of
46%.
The following graphs present the results of the survey based on the responses from the 108 people sampled.
3. KEY FINDINGS
The sample of the survey can be seen below in Graph 1, which highlights that the majority of respondents
were females (67.3%) and almost half the sample were in the 30-44 age bracket. Respondents were asked
which country they went to primary school in (to ascertain where swimming lessons may have taken place)
with 69% from the UK, 21% rest of the world and 11% Europe.
Graph 1: The sample
80
70
69.2
67.3
60
49.5
50
40
32.7
30
21.5
20
21.2
15.1
10.6
10
4.7
6.5
0.9
1.9
0
Female Male
16-19 20-24 25-29 30-44 45-59 60-69
70+
UK
Europe Rest of
World
Alongside demographic data, postcodes of all 235 adults who registered to have the free lessons were
recorded and the spread of participants can be seen in Figure 1 (note this shows all those who registered, not
just those who completed this survey).
Figure 1: Distribution map
3
The following graph shows the proportion of respondents who had previously received swimming lessons,
and for those who had, where they had them.
Graph 2: Have you previously had swimming lessons and if so, where?
70
59.3
60
50
40.7
39.5
40
32.6
30
25.6
20
10
2.3
0
Yes
No
Primary School
Secondary
School
Private Lessons
Self Taught
Graph 2 shows that the majority of respondents (59%, n = 64) had not previously had swimming lessons.
For those people who had received lessons 17 people had private lessons, 14 in primary school and 11 in
secondary school. Of those people who went to primary school in the UK, 33/72 (46%) had swimming
lessons in the past, Europe 7/10 (70%) and Rest of the World 3/22 (14%).
4
Graph 3: Swimming ability of peers
80
68.5
70
60
50
42.1
40
30
20
10
0
Most of my close friends can swim
At least one of my parents can swim
Graph 3 outlines that the majority of the respondents' friends can swim (69%) but only two-fifths of the
sample's parents can swim.
Graph 4: When was the last time you visited a Leisure Centre?
35.0
29.6
30.0
25.0
20.0
18.5
15.0
11.1
11.1
9.3
10.0
10.2
10.2
5.0
.0
One week
before
In the previous
month
Within 3
months
Within 6
months
Within the last Over a year ago
year
I have never
used leisure
centres
Interestingly, almost half of the sample had either never used a leisure centre (19%) or had used one but not
in the last year (30%) which suggests the free swimming lesson offer has been successful in attracting nonusers. Almost a quarter (22%) had used a leisure centre within the previous month.
5
Graph 5: What was your motivation to register for free swimming lessons?
70
60
57.9
50.9
50.0
50
40
30.6
30
24.3
18.7
20
11.2
10
9.3
0
To learn to
To improve
To gain
To overcome
swim
my swimming confidence in my fear of
stroke
the water
water /
swimming
To get the
lessons for
free
To be able to To be able to Other reason
enjoy other
take the
water sports children /
grandchildren
swimming
The main point of note from this graph is that the price wasn't the overriding motivation to take on the
lessons but desire to learn to swim, improve stroke, gain water confidence and reduce fear were the key
motivations.
Graph 6: How many lessons did you attend?
35
30
28.7
25
23.1
23.1
20
15
13.0
10
6.5
5
1.9
1.9
1.9
0
0
None
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
All
The findings suggest that almost all (88%) of the sample attended more than half of the sessions (5 or more)
with a quarter attending all.
6
Graph 7: If you missed any sessions, what was the reason for missing them?
70
60.7
60
50
40
30
25.2
23.4
20
10
3.7
1.9
1.9
1.9
0
Illness
Work
commitments
Family
commitments
Didn't feel
beneficial
Forgot
Too much effort Fear overcame
me
For those people who missed any session (83/108), illness accounted for the majority of absences. Work
and family commitments had an impact although on a positive note, very few people cited that they didn't
think the lessons were beneficial, were too much effort or were overcome by fear. A list of some other
specific reasons can be seen in the appendices at the end.
Graph 8: Did you swim between lessons and if not, what were the reasons?
50
45.4
45.8
45
N = 59 people
40
35
32.1
30
25
22.6
20
17.9
16.0
15
10
5
1.9
0
Did you go
swimming at all
between
lessons?
Time
Intimidated by
lane swimming
sessions
Other reason
Cost
No access to the Unable to
small teaching access other
pool
women only
sessions
Almost half of the sample went swimming in between a lesson which is positive. For those who didn't,
time was the main reason, although being intimidated by lane swimming was cited by a third of those who
hadn't participated. A list of some other specific reasons can be seen in the appendices at the end.
7
Graph 9: Satisfaction with progress and future participation
100
98.1
90
84.1
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Satisfied with progress from lessons?
Continue learning or regular swimmer after?
Graph 9 shows positive findings in that the majority are satisfied with the progress they have made and
almost all will continue to learn / become a regular swimmer having taken part on the programme.
Graph 10: When is your preferred day and time to swim?
80
72.9
70
60
47.7
50
40
30
17.8
20
17.8
16.8
9.3
10
9.3
7.5
0.9
0
Mon to Fri
Saturday
Sunday
6am - 9am
9am - 12
noon
12 noon 2pm
2pm - 5pm
5pm - 8pm
8pm
onwards
The majority of the sample (73%) suggest that weekdays are the preferred part of the week to have lessons
with the majority (65%) stating after working hours (5pm) to be the best time, half of which suggesting
between 5pm and 8pm. There is some demand for early morning lessons between 6am and 9am (18%).
8
4. CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the feedback from the survey is largely positive and appears to have reached non-users and
integrated them into swimming lessons. Reasons for missing sessions and / or not swimming between
lessons appear largely to be time and other (work / family) commitments rather than anything under the
programmes control. Early indications from Aquaterra suggest the take up for the next round of lessons are
high and will be over-subscribed and the base from which to deliver the future programmes appears to be
strong looking at the positive feedback from previous participants.
Steve Bullough
January 2009
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APPENDIX 1- All Qualitative responses
Motivation to take up lessons
Able to enjoy beach holidays
Exercise
Exercise
Exercise and weight control
Fitness
getting fit again
good exercise
I am suffering from the joint inflammation therefore I have pain in my joints and the doctor suggested that the
swimming will be very good for me.
I felt that by improving my stroke I would become more interested in swimming regularly as I would be gaining
more benefit and confidence from my swimming.
I have a slightly dodgy knee and hip and wanted to learn how to swim without damaging/aggravating them. I'd
also read that many people's swimming style means that they're not actually exercising properly so wanted to
make sure that I was actually doing myself some good when I went swimming.
I have inflammation in my joints and the doctor suggested that the swimming will be good for me.
I have not swim for 14 years and was worried I couldn't swim any more.
I now need orthotics for walking following a broken toe so am keen to improve my swimming as it is a low
impact exercise.
I recently got caught in a rip tide in the sea, had to be rescued and made me realise if I could enhance my skills
for swimming, which would surely be a good thing.
I want to be able to take the kids swimming without fear. I don't want to through my grandkids a rope but jump
in and save them if necessary.
I want to be confident in the water so I can go swimming with my young daughter.
I wanted to be able to improve my stroke and then maybe join a swimming marathon for charity. Sadly this did
not happen.
I'd like to be fit but have an injured ankle so things like swimming and cycling could be good I hope
I'd like to take up diving and for this one needs to be able to swim, unsupported, 10 lengths.
Learning to swim will help me to keep fit
so I could go swimming with my children
They were close by and convenient to my work.
to achieve a personal goal to challenge myself outside of my comfort zone
To be able to swim lengths in confidence. To improve my swimming technique.
to be fit and tone my body
To become fitter and more skilled.
To become fitter so I can regularly go swimming and swim at a better level.
To follow a course ensured I attended the swimming pool, it added the motivation i have not been able to find
myself in years of living right next to the swimming pool
To gain confidence and enable me to go swimming on my 'own' and hopefully get fitter.
To get fit as I'm also training for a Marathon in 2009
To get fit to commit myself to a weekly activity
To get fit. To feel better and swimming is a good sport to practice.
To learn to do the front crawl and thus be inspired to swim regularly and get fit, since I like swimming a lot. Not
ever having mastered it makes me feel like an idiot (I think this stroke has always frightened me).
To learn to swim
To learn to swim properly - breathe properly and be able to put my head under water with confidence
To overcome my fear of the water, and to increase my speed, also swimming is a good form of exercise.
To swim alongside my husband. He's a good swimmer.
To use the Turkish Baths & Sauna
10
What could be done better or in addition to ensure that you are able to attend more lessons?
As I had to work, it would have been nice to attend another venue instead, for the lost lessons.
Attended all lessons but function did not work from previous answer therefore had to enter illness
because I have 2 very young children, the time clashed with the very busy getting them to bed time, perhaps
day time lessons might have been beneficial
Better work / life balance (On my part)
Change the time
Earlier weekday times and more weekend lessons or even evening lessons.
Email or text reminders
Evening sessions rather than early morning
Everything was perfect for me
Everything was suitable perfectly.
Extend the duration of course
Flexible time
Follow up with the same instructor; a certificate of achievement!
for me was perfect
For me, I didn't require anything more.
have the lessons at the weekend
Having another slot in the week which I could also attend.
Having the same teacher. I don't want to be rude about the English teacher because she was great but she
was obviously roped in at short notice and had to bring her daughter along with her. Her daughter needed a lot
of attention and although we were all understanding and although she extended the lesson time to make up for
it, it would have been better if she had been able to concentrate on us exclusively. We had been led to believe
by the initial two teachers who took the first four or five lessons and who were in harmony with each other, that
there would be one other teacher to make up one or two of the lessons but the Eastern European teacher was
not fluent enough at English and was too shy to take this lesson which required that she take control. I am sorry
to say that this accounted for me not turning up to her lesson because I really felt the teacher-pupil roles were
confused.
I attended all my lessons but this system wouldn't let me move further without ticking a reason
I attended all the lessons. I was unable to proceed to this part because it stated I needed an answer. Nothing.
Staff were very helpful and encouraging.
I cancelled before the lessons started as I realised that the time allocated would not work with family
commitments.
I did attend all lessons but had to put an option in the last question or it wouldn't let me continue! Maybe emails
or text reminders? The opportunity to review/feedback halfway through the course to check that people's needs
are being met.
I don't know.
I thought it was a shame that other than the first lesson, every class was attended by a decreasing number of
people. By the end we were down to 4. If students were to take the trouble to warn of non-attendance, would
there be some way of allowing others to take the lesson?
I thought the timeslot was fine
I was lucky in that the pace of the lessons suited me and we all wanted to learn how to do front crawl. Possibly
some more detailed questions when the groups are booked to ensure that people of the same level / aims are
put together.
I was unfortunate that I got a bad eye infection during the period of the swimming lessons. For two consecutive
weeks my doctor advised me not to attend. Having done three, then missing two, I thought I would've missed
the main part of the lessons and therefore decided to not attend the last three. I would definitely like to sign up
for them again if they became available.
I wasn't happy with the instructor. He was too fast and left me feeling overwhelmed.
I went to all the lessons. But the 8am start was a bit early as I work night shifts. I would have preferred them
later.
I would have gone had I not been ill as I enjoyed the lessons.
In my situation, nothing really, things came up which prevented me from attending all the classes as I had
attended.
It would really help if I could arrange in advance to attend at a different time in replacement of what I was about
to miss.
Join an evening after work session to ensure attendance to sessions.
lessons at the weekend
maybe a choice of days
11
Maybe give the flexibility of attending a different session in the week, but that would be really difficult to
manage and in excess of the free offer.
More free lessons and perhaps more commitment from the teachers.
More individual coaching More individual feedback A structure so we know what we will be doing in the course
and what will be covered in the classes A scale of improvement
More session on week ends should be available.
More than one lesson per week
My 2 missed lessons were unavoidable but there is nothing that you could do more to make me attend
n/a attended them all, questionnaire wouldn't let me progress unless I ticked something in last question
Nothing the weather did not help as I have had a nasty cold for weeks..
I didn't miss any lessons, but I nearly missed one or two lessons because Sundays are not the ideal evening
for me. Thursday evenings would be better.
Nothing - I felt it was a brilliant scheme that was organised and felt very fortunate to have been able to receive
the lessons. That in itself was enough of an incentive for me to ensure I attended and each week I really looked
forward to coming.
Nothing - I had to miss the last 2 lessons due to Christmas social commitments.
Nothing - I was just simply to busy
Nothing, I just will not get ill!!
Nothing, I thoroughly enjoyed the classes. Its all in what person is teaching you.
Nothing, the lessons are good, it was that my father was extremely sick in Hospital for nearly two weeks.
Nothing, the lessons were really good. I became ill. I think the lessons should run in summer, as it would have
less impact on my body coming out of the pool into a warm climate. As during winter it can have adverse
effects.
One day in a week is not enough to get more confidence. at least after getting some new tips there should be
more time with in that week to practice or to be in the water. A week is too long to remember the past
instructions and master the skill
Perhaps an assessment of each person's ability and needs from the lessons could have been carried out for
each student before the lessons started as my lesson was full of better able swimmers than me who had more
confidence and less fear. I was more of a beginner than them along with another person in that lesson, so we
could have been in an even more beginner's lesson than the others.
Perhaps longer lessons and fewer weeks. I was ill for a few weeks and then I had various work commitments.
provide weekly goals to achieve and review these at the lessons
Reminders as many people were not too sure how many lessons there would be, despite the information being
available on the original email.
The answer about the reasons for non-attendance is not applicable as i attended all lessons but had to put an
answer in a field to progress to next question.
The classes and instructor was great. Only the Half hour lessons were too short. By the time we got into the
water and started the session, it was over. I would suggest longer lessons over a longer period of time if
possible.
The dates were fine for me. Having 3 days available for lessons, i think is good and suitable to everyone.
The improver's class was too advanced and the beginners class too basic.
The times were okay for me. I think all classes should be at the start or the end of the day, to stop those in work
having to split their day
The timing. If the lessons where in the evening that would be much better for me.
There were some of us who progressed quicker than the others. It would have been better for me if I could
have moved on to the next class. Or if we could have divided the class and worked in partners so we all didn't
have to wait or stand around to waiting for everyone to do the same exercise, we could have been practicing
what we had learnt. A half hour goes very quickly and you want to get as much out of the class as possible.
Maybe a half hour lesson a half hour of practice after the class to another instructor to do lengths if you need
help you ask for it if not then you just practice and he can correct you if he see you doing something wrong or if
he sees you need help. One class of assessment before the lessons and after to measure the success of the
project. Maybe even special classes one for floating, another for kicking technique, another for arm strokes and
breathing techniques.
To ensure that the water is at the right temperature as the pool was cold on 2 occasions
We had different instructors a lot, some didn't approve of breast stroke, some did, and there wasn't
consistency. Also, I do feel the shallow pool is too shallow - I scraped my knees sometime! When I went to
previous lessons in Camden, we had one instructor in a regular pool and it was very good.
12
How was your experience of swimming between lessons?
Beneficial but swam in a cold pool abroad which was off putting.
Better than prior to lessons but still had fear of water
Brilliant. My confidence improved, my strength increased and I practised the techniques. Really rewarding.
Even in the slow lane, there was pressure to keep a certain pace, so difficult to improve technique
Excellent-I swam at the Cally Pool in between lessons
Felt embarrassed that I couldn't swim as well as other swimmers. Lost my confidence.
Fine
fun and enjoyable
Fun, enjoyable and eager to practice the techniques I had learnt
Good
good and I just go for more practice.
good as I come and practice more.
great
Great. I love swimming.
greater enjoyment and confidence
Greatly improved as I concentrated on practising the strokes I had learnt.
Help to find the gap.
I concentrated more than would have in the past. Helped me improve technique
I felt excluded, everyone else can swim, the lanes are a barrier, it feels horrible to swim with people who can
swim, I felt I get in their way. When I could swim I was not slow so the slow lane was not applicable but the
middle lane had no walls!!
I felt I was improving week after week
I felt like I was concentrating very hard, trying to remember everything that I'd learned and sometimes confused
myself a little, muddling my old bad habits whilst trying to implement my new knowledge.
I gradually gained confidence. But I improvised and employed techniques that were not taught to me during the
lessons.
I knew that I was improving because of the lessons and the additional swimming was to practice what I now
knew.
I practiced before and after the swimming lesson and found it very enjoyable.
I practiced what i was shown, I enjoyed it
I quite enjoyed practising and got benefit out of it I think
I sometimes confused myself even more as it was like I had to start learning/practicing all over again which
took a lot of effort and concentration. I watched other people's style a lot more to see how they looked.
I went swimming when I missed a class, either after the missed chance to keep the commitment or in advance
if I knew I could not make a particular session. It is good to get into the habit and i would want to keep it up. I
was also trying to practice what learnt. Very positive.
It gave me more confidence to try things I'd been doing in my lessons.
it was a bit challenging and I felt a bit self conscious trying to practice on my own but I felt good about my effort
and improvement
it was enjoyable
Not too bad, I was able to do a couple of lengths and I felt more confidence in the water than before.
Not very good. you can only do lengths and I seemed to be in other peoples way by stopping all of the time and
not going fast enough
ok but a bit unnerving in a full sized pool where I couldn't touch the bottom
Only for fun with my children
Really good, felt much more confident
Really good. I was very impress and happy with my effort.
The lessons really improved by swimming, but it could be difficult practicing technique in a busy pool.
The lessons significantly help both technique and confidence
Tricky! I tried at my local pool but found the main pool intimidating and wasn't allowed to use the small pool.
Very beneficial, more practice.
Very enjoyable - I had lost my confidence in the water before I had the swimming lessons.
Very well, I believed I compensated for the lessons I missed
13
Other reasons why you don't go swimming between lessons?
Being lazy and unmotivated
Changing room too cold. shower not working
Could not swim
Did not feel confident enough in the water without an instructor
Did not felt confident in larger and let's be honest deeper pools - the fear of literally drowning. I was also unsure
of the "etiquette" expected in the pool as no-one talks and it is rather silent. swimming seems to be a quiet
individual activity as opposed to a group one i.e. challenging oneself as opposed to meeting and engaging with
others
Difficult time of year to get to pool and the lessons didn't seem to help motivate me, though I 'm not put off by
bad weather.
getting a private tutor is very expensive and since I had no previous experience in water I always fear to get in
the water without some one near who knows that I have no water experience
Hadn't mastered the style of swimming completely in order to practice. Felt I would slip into my old incorrect
style of swimming and lose the benefits of the new correct techniques.
I didn't want to go near the deep end and I still need to practise width wise but I can't because people are
swimming lengthwise.
I swam before and after the lessons. There is a lot of sand on the bottom of the pool which looks rather
disconcerting. Cally pool is a little shabby.
I went about twice or three times a week so nothing prevented me from going.
Illness + anxiety of infection prior to surgery and adverse weather conditions.
It was freezing cold at the time which reduced my motivation!
It's difficult to find an intermediate area between proper lane swimming and shallower areas used for children
etc. to actually practice when you need the space and depth but would probably obstruct the lane swimmers.
Looking after my 2 yr old.
Mainly work commitments
No, it's just I hate the fact I have to stop every length, I was hoping the lessons would help me to do a few
lengths at a time.
Not yet confident in being able to swim on my own.
On that week I was unwell and did not get a chance to get during the small pool opening hours.
Sometimes the small pool was too busy with families so I turned back and went home
the feeling of being ashamed at my age that I do not know how to swim
the kids again!!
Very little 'casual swim' time available in the big pool.
work commitments
Work commitments at this time of the year meant I had little free time to go other days, but intend to swim more
after the New Year when I will have a bit more free time.
14