School to start swimming lessons in memory of teen

A city school is launching a swimming project in memory of a teenager who died after getting into difficulty at a lake.

Peterborough's Hampton Vale Primary Academy plans to install a portable pop-up pool in its playground by the Easter term, so about 400 pupils can have swimming lessons.

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

PE teacher Scott Collins, who taught Jack at Hampton Vale, says the scheme is vital because of the number of lakes in the area.

A similar pop-up pool was installed at Ravensthorpe Primary School last week, amid worries about a lack of swimming facilities across the city.

Mr Collins urged the government to provide more funding to help schools teach children to be water-safe.

The Department for Education (DfE) said schools received core funding for curriculum provision, which included swimming and water safety lessons.

Mr Collins said: "We spoke to [Jack's] mum and dad about honouring his memory and will name the swimming project after Jack.

"I taught Jack at this school. He was a lovely boy and a great character.

"PE curriculum should be tailored to your area and in winter, we still see children playing on the ice and, in summer, jumping in water, so it is about learning to be water safe and knowing what to do when someone is in danger."

He said the temporary pool would cost £26,000 and would be on site for 12 weeks.

Pupils from Hampton Vale usually travel to Whittlesey to use a pool there, which Mr Collins said was "costing more than the lessons and needs about five members of staff".

On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed funding for Peterborough's new sports quarter, including a 25m (82ft) swimming pool.

Mr Collins said it would be a "great addition to the city but would not benefit schools personally".

"It would be good to get some funding for pop-up swimming pool projects or maybe help schools with transportation costs to get to swimming lessons," Mr Collins said.

"We do ask for a voluntary payment for our lessons, but not all parents can afford it."

Jack's family have been campaigning to raise awareness about the risks of swimming in cold, open water and are raising funds for a youth club in his name.

His father Darren Lloyd has said it is "important to share Jack's story — that could help save lives".