Each year Southern Water recognises the courage and determination of children who have learnt to swim against the odds or performed exceptionally.

Each pool or club on the scheme is invited to nominate a child who, for them, embodies achievement.  We then host two achiever events in specially erected marquees to celebrate these special children and recognise the dedication and commitment of parents and instructors.

This year we held events in Hampshire and Kent and were privileged to meet some exceptional children.  Each child was presented with a special medal, certificate and bag of goodies by Olympic Gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew. 

Whilst each child is a worthy winner and equally deserving of special mention,

Here are just a few examples of this year’s special achievers:

Ten year old Ruben , from Crowborough,  is registered blind but shows amazing courage.  He never lets his disability hold him back and is currently working towards his silver challenge exam.

Eight year old David from Northfleet has asbergers, a learning disability.  He has gone from a nervous and frightened non-swimmer to a confident swimmer who can now swim 25 metres and even enjoys deep-water activities.

Ten year old Emily suffers from brittle bones.  Despite having had several serious fractures and hospital stays, she has progressed to a level 8 so far.  Emily is always smiling and never complains.  Her teachers say she is a real pleasure to teach.

Twelve year old Harriet from Whitstable was born with heart problems and has had to overcome many obstacles in her life.  However she has achieved a level 6 swimming award and always displays a great sense of humour and charisma which is so inspiring.

Eight year old Grace from Chichester was terrified of water and constantly battled against her fear.  She has now overcome her fear and is able to swim front crawl, backstroke and butterfly competently.

Cheeky brothers Oliver and Bradley from Hastings shared their award.  Oliver is autistic but brother Bradley swims with him and has really helped him with his swimming.  They are both equally deserving of this award.

What the parents say:

Here are just some of the lovely comments we received this year from the families who attended the events.

“Thank you very much indeed”.  It was a lovely afternoon and a privilege to attend”

“Great afternoon, lovely people and staff, even accommodating a jealous sibling.  Thank you.

“Thank you very much for making the presentation so memorable for our daughter and us”.

“I just wanted to thank you and your team for a hugely enjoyable swimmer of the year awards ceremony.  It was a fabulous afternoon which couldn’t be faulted in any way.  My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the extremely well organised event and were made to feel really special.  Duncan Goodhew was a wonderfully warm and caring man.”