School Introduces Swimming Program in Honor of Deceased Teen

A primary school in Peterborough is set to unveil a new swimming initiative dedicated to a teenager who tragically lost his life at a local lake.

Hampton Vale Primary Academy plans to establish a temporary pop-up swimming pool within its playground by the start of the Easter term, enabling approximately 400 students to participate in swimming lessons.

Jack Lloyd, a 16-year-old student at Peterborough College, drowned at the Crown Lakes Country Park on April 3.

Importance of Water Safety

Scott Collins, the physical education instructor who taught Jack at Hampton Vale, emphasizes the necessity of this program given the abundance of lakes in the vicinity.

A similar portable pool was recently installed at Ravensthorpe Primary School, amid rising concerns regarding the scarcity of swimming facilities in the city.

Mr. Collins has called upon the government to allocate additional funds to support schools in providing essential water safety education.

The Department for Education noted that schools receive foundational funding that covers curriculum needs, including swimming and water safety training.

Honoring Jack’s Memory

In discussions with Jack’s parents, Mr. Collins revealed plans to name the swimming project in Jack’s honor.

“I taught Jack here; he was a wonderful young man with a vibrant personality,” Mr. Collins shared.

He believes that the physical education curriculum should reflect local needs, noting that children often engage with dangerous water conditions, whether it’s icy surfaces in winter or lakes in summer.

The temporary pool project is expected to cost £26,000 and will remain on site for a duration of 12 weeks.

Challenges in Swimming Education

Students from Hampton Vale typically travel to Whittlesey for swimming lessons, which Mr. Collins points out is more expensive than the lessons themselves and requires the presence of five staff members.

On a related note, Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently confirmed funding for a new sports quarter in Peterborough that will include a 25-meter swimming pool.

While Mr. Collins recognizes this as a positive development for the city, he points out that it will not directly benefit local schools.

“It would be ideal to secure funding for temporary swimming pool initiatives or assist schools with transportation costs for swimming lessons,” he remarked.

Although a voluntary contribution is requested for swimming lessons, not all families can afford this fee.

Raising Awareness

Jack’s family is actively working to promote awareness about the dangers of swimming in cold, open water, and they are also fundraising for a youth club dedicated to his memory.

His father, Darren Lloyd, has emphasized the importance of sharing Jack’s story to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“It’s crucial to convey Jack’s experience — it may save lives,” he stated.

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