Council urges positive outcome for Penrith Swimming Club’s Learn to Swim programme
At its Extra Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 24 August 2026, the Council considered correspondence from Penrith Swimming Club and resolved to support the Club with a letter of support in seeking to maintain its Learn to Swim programme at Penrith Leisure Centre [Minute PTC26/32].
Penrith Swimming Club is a valued community organisation with a long history of helping local children learn to swim, build confidence and progress into club and competitive swimming. Its Learn to Swim programme is more than a set of lessons; it is a volunteer-led community service that supports children, families and the wider town.
The Council understands that GLL is reviewing the Learn to Swim arrangements with Westmorland and Furness Council, Swim England and Penrith Swimming Club, including whether Penrith and Eden communities would be best served by a single beginner Learn to Swim offer from GLL, or by separate offers from GLL and Penrith Swimming Club.
Penrith Town Council believes local families should continue to have choice. The Council supports a positive and sustainable outcome which allows the Club’s Learn to Swim programme to continue alongside GLL’s offer, recognising that the two offers are distinctive rather than directly competing, with a written formal agreement if required. More than 60 people attended the Council’s Extra Ordinary Meeting on Monday 24 August 2026, demonstrating the strength of local feeling about retaining choice for families in Penrith and Eden.
Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Penrith Mayor, said:
“Penrith is shaped by the people and organisations who give their time to support others. Voluntary sports clubs like Penrith Swimming Club make our town what it is – they help children gain confidence, learn vital skills and feel part of something that belongs to the community.
“The Council is pleased to offer its support and hopes that all parties can work together to protect choice for local families and keep this important provision in Penrith.”
Penrith Town Council has written to Penrith Swimming Club confirming its support and encouraging all parties to work constructively towards an agreement that keeps the Club’s Learn to Swim programme available to local families.
To read the letter of support to Penrith Swimming Club, please visit the Penrith Town Council website: https://www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260825-Penrith-Swimming-Club-Letter-Public-1.pdf
For more information about Penrith Swimming Club, please visit: https://www.penrithswimmingclub.co.uk/