Since we launched our Learn to Swim scheme in 1992, we have helped to teach hundreds of thousands of children to swim at more than 70 pools across the South East.

With more than 700 miles of coastline bordering our region and many miles of rivers, we believe it’s important for a water company to help teach children to swim.

Nine of our employees volunteer as co-ordinators for 1,000 Amateur Swimming Association trained instructors across the region.

Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew supports our award-winning scheme and teamed up with Paralympic gold medallist Sascha Kindred at a conference for more than 130 swimming teachers. The theme of the event was disability.

We also staged our annual achievers’ events which recognise children who have shown great courage in overcoming difficulties or for exceptional performance.

More than 50 children were presented with a Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever of the Year award by Duncan Goodhew at ceremonies held at Testwood Lakes in Southampton and Bewl Water on the Sussex/Kent border.

We also launched a Learn to Swim website to help parents find a Learn to Swim scheme in their area.