Working along 1,250 kilometres of coastline, Southern Water recognises how important it is for youngsters to learn to swim and be safe in the water.

The company is proud to sponsor the Learn to Swim scheme for children between the ages of four and 12 in Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The scheme runs at more than 70 centres across the region with 1,000 ASA-qualified instructors passing on vital swimming skills to youngsters.

Now in its 16th year, the scheme has helped more than 500,000 children learn to swim and feel confident in the water.

Each child who takes part in the scheme receives a swimming bag and a certificate.

Achievers events are held once a year to recognise the bravery and efforts of youngsters who have overcome disability or hardship to learn to swim.

Southern Water is grateful for the financial support it receives from 4Delivery, Morrison, Savills, RPS Planning, Berwin Leighton Paisner and Mott McDonald, which makes it all possible.

There support ensures around 40,000 children each year benefit from the scheme.

Duncan Goodhew, Olympic swimming gold medallist, is a keen supporter.

He says: "Swimming is the number 2 sport in the Olympic Games."

"The more children who learn to swim, the more likely we are to produce champions at the 2012 Olympics."

"Southern Water plays a key part in helping young swimmers and supporting those teachers who introduce young people to the water."

Southern Water also supplies teaching equipment and training for instructors.

Click here to find a Learn to Swim Centre near you.