Making Waves: Why Women-Only Swim Sessions Matter for All Communities

For years, the question kept returning: “When will you offer a women-only swimming session?”

After more than 1,300 days of planning, consultation, and collaboration, Swim Design Space has finally brought that vision to life, creating a space where women from every background can learn, move, and thrive in the water.

Our new Women-Only Swim Session, hosted at Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Gloucester, isn’t just another class; it’s a community movement built on inclusion, data, and social change.

The Landscape: What the Numbers Reveal

14 million adults (31 %) in England cannot swim 25 m unaided.
Swim England – England Swims 2022 reports:
- 14 % of White British adults cannot swim 25 m unaided.
- 49 % of adults from ethnically diverse communities cannot.
- South Asian women – 76 %; Black women – 67 %; White British women – 17 %.
The Black Swimming Association found 48 % of respondents from African, Caribbean and Asian backgrounds lacked water-safety knowledge, and 44 % feared water.
Sport England 2023 — 97 % see swimming as essential but only 59 % feel it’s accessible.

From Idea to Impact - Our Timeline

14 Mar 2022: The initial “Ladies Swimming Lesson Inspiration!” email sparks planning.
2022–2023: Community listening with religiously, culturally, and LGBTQ+ conscious groups helps shape provision.
2024: Trials begin with female-only staff and enhanced privacy protocols.
19 Oct 2025: Official launch of our Women-Only Swim Sessions—1,315 days in the making.

Building Confidence Through Partnership

Before this launch, we were already addressing access at the school level. In January 2025 we worked with Al-Ashraf Secondary School for Girls, commissioned by Active Gloucestershire to deliver swimming lessons for Year 7 pupils.

For most of the 22 students, this was their first-ever experience of swimming. Many had never entered a pool or received a formal lesson before, often due to barriers around cultural considerations, modesty, cost, and lack of female-only provision.

The impact was immediate and profound. Within weeks, every participant showed measurable improvement in confidence, water safety awareness, and physical stamina. Beyond the strokes and skills, the sessions sparked something deeper—a sense of belonging, empowerment, and visibility in an environment that had historically excluded them.

By creating a safe, culturally and religiously conscious space, these lessons didn’t just teach swimming—they unlocked opportunity, inclusion, and agency for girls who had previously been left behind.

“We are incredibly proud of each pupil for their hard work, progress, and determination.” — Janice Oliver | Swim Design Space

Why Women-Only Swimming Matters

For many religiously, culturally, and LGBTQ+ conscious women, access is limited by modesty requirements and mixed-gender facilities. Our sessions remove these barriers through:

Private, women-only environment (no men on site).
Faith-respectful swimwear policies.
Female coaches and lifeguards for comfort and representation.
Supportive boutique-style groups for beginners and returners.

The Benefits of Swimming for Women

Physical Health: Low-impact, full-body conditioning for all ages.
Mental Health: Relieves stress and boosts mood.
Community Connection: Builds friendships and confidence.
Lifesaving Skill: Improves safety for families and future generations.

Join Us

Women-Only Swim Sessions