Introduction

At Swim Generation, we have worked with thousands of teenagers, including those who have recently joined us and others who have progressed from our babies programme. Parents will encounter teenagers who stop swimming, and the reasons vary considerably. We have taught teenage swimmers who have left for good, those who have taken a short break, and sometimes ‘boomerang’ swimmers who keep coming and going. In this article, we draw on our experience as a swim school, the changes our coaches see first-hand, what often leads teenagers to stop swimming, why some choose to come back, and the role parents can play. We’ll also share insights and experience from Swim Generation’s Operations Director, Tara Rahilly, on what the team has learned from working with teenage swimmers over the years.

Four Common Reasons Teenagers Stop Swimming

From our experience, we’ve learned that teenagers often stop swimming for several reasons, which can build up over time and influence their decision to leave.

Based on what we've seen at Swim Generation, these are four of the most common reasons teenagers want to stop swimming.

1. Commitments: This often comes with the statement ‘I don't have time for swimming anymore.’ Common reasons include GCSEs, A-levels, new part-time employment, and other sports or social activities.

2. Self-consciousness: This is a sensitive topic, and our coaches are highly qualified (Valid Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualification from Swim England (SEQ) or the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) and experienced in addressing it. Teenagers can become more self-conscious as their bodies change during the teenage years. Rather than putting swimmers on the spot, this is where subtlety and timing are required.

3. Self-doubt: We've seen swimmers lose interest because they feel they're not improving, even though they are. That is why our coaches are trained to recognise their progress and reinforce it consistently.

4. When a Friend Leaves: Many of our swimmers have been friends for years, often in the same lessons. They form close friendships, and when one leaves, it can often prompt the remaining swimmer to want to leave.

‘Often, teenagers will give a reason such as schoolwork is becoming more demanding and they don’t have time to fit swimming into their life. This often isn't the whole story, and that is why our coaches like to find out more. By fully understanding the rationale behind the move, it helps coaches and parents understand the reasoning and offer potential solutions.’ Christopher Whitworth, Founder and Managing Director of Swim Generation.

Different Reasons Teenagers Continue Swimming

For many teenage swimmers, swimming becomes part of their lives, and the reasons for leaving often change as they get older. What may have started as a five-year-old’s reason for swimming is often very different from what motivates a 15-year-old. Many of our coaches have been with our teenage swimmers for many years, and some of the reasons they have seen teenagers continue swimming include:

• Fitness & Health: Teenagers often begin to understand the many health benefits associated with swimming. A detailed source on the health and fitness benefits of swimming is available in the Swim England ‘Get Healthier Through Swimming Hub.’

• Pathways: Below are some of the pathways our swimmers have used their lessons to gain entry into.

  • Pool lifeguards

  • Trainee swim teachers

  • Beach lifeguard

  • Working at Leisure centres

• Challenge: Swimming can be challenging; some swimmers struggle to master the butterfly stroke, while others can’t perform a flip turn (tumble turn) effectively. Some swimmers have goals, such as swimming 100 metres in a specific time.

• Routine: Swimming becomes part of teenagers' weekly routine. Many say it gives them some downtime from the stresses of school, especially during exam periods.

• Friendships: Many of our teenagers have spent years swimming together, forming strong friendships, and many of them go on to compete at club level.

What Have We Learned From 15+ Years?

With thousands of swimmers learning at Swim Generation’s pool locations across London, Surrey and Somerset each week, we have noticed that even a small change in circumstances can make a big difference for teenage swimmers. When a teenager wants to stop swimming, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

‘These first-hand experiences have helped shape our approach to teaching teenagers, and over 15+ years, several important lessons have stood out.’ Tara Rahilly, Operations Director.

1. If teenagers are having second thoughts about swimming and experiencing self-doubt, do not compare them with other swimmers. Our coaches are trained to focus on each swimmer's progress, highlight improvements, and recognise that development differs for each swimmer.

2. Convincing swimmers to stay is not always the right option. Understanding the real reason is important. However, sometimes taking a break is best. Often, swimmers return once circumstances change and they discover they miss swimming.

3. A coach can be especially important, especially when they have been teaching a swimmer for years. They know their swimmers well and can quickly recognise when something is wrong. This is another reason Swim Generation always tries to maintain coach-swimmer continuity.

4. As swimmers get older, coaches need to adapt their lessons and approach. This could involve giving swimmers greater responsibility and providing more in-depth explanations and reasoning for the techniques or exercises.

5. Wanting to leave often comes from more than one reason. It can be a combination of schoolwork, a friend leaving and wanting to try another sport. Together, these concerns can feel much more significant to teenagers.

What Our Coaches Look For When a Teenage Swimmer Looks Ready to Stop

The signs below don't necessarily mean a teenager wants to stop swimming. They can, however, prompt coaches to take a closer look. When coaches notice a change, they'll wait for the right time to explore whether something is wrong.

Parents Still Play A Key Role

What Can Parents Still Do?

1. Communication is key for both the swimmer and the coach. Parents should talk to their child about their swimming, especially after lessons. Parents should also raise any concerns with coaches.

2. If a swimmer is adamant they want to take a break, this doesn't mean this is final.

3. Parents often play a vital role in transporting children to and from lessons; this support is crucial.

4. Each swimmer is unique; don't judge your child’s progress by other swimmers.

Does Stopping Swimming Mean Giving Up For Good?

We have seen many swimmers come back after ‘giving up’. In some circumstances, returning swimmers come back with increased motivation and enthusiasm.

• Circumstances have changed, freeing up time for swimming.

• A break often gives teenagers time to reflect, and often they realise they miss swimming and the benefits it brings.

• Some swimmers have returned with specific goals such as making squads.

There is no set return time; over the years, swimmers have returned after a few months, others a few years.

Teenage Swimming: Insights From Swim Generation

Tara Rahilly, Operations Director at Swim Generation, shares insights from working with teenage swimmers.

Q. How many teenagers has Swim Generation taught?

Swim Generation has taught a significant number of teenagers over the years, with many swimmers progressing through our programme from a young age into their teenage years. Many of our swimmers have gone on to compete, swim within their school teams, local swim clubs, university teams and even become swimming teachers. We aim to support swimmers throughout their swimming journey rather than seeing swimming as something they stop once they reach a certain age.

Q. How many teenage swimmers do you currently teach?

We currently have teenage swimmers across our programmes, including swimmers who have been with us for several years and continue to progress through the levels. We also have younger swimmers progressing towards their teenage years, and our aim is to retain these swimmers by continuing to provide appropriate challenges and progression as they get older.

Q. What is the typical age at which teenagers leave?

There isn't a specific age at which we expect teenagers to leave. Some swimmers continue with us well into their teenage years, particularly where they remain motivated by improving their technique, fitness, confidence and swimming ability. Where teenagers do leave, it is often due to changes in their wider commitments rather than because they have reached a particular stage of the Swim Generation programme.

Q. What are the most common reasons given for leaving?

The most common reasons tend to be school, exams, increased academic commitments, other sports and changes in family routines. As teenagers become busier, swimming can sometimes be one of the activities they reduce, rather than it being a reflection of their experience at Swim Generation. We are very conscious of this and want to make swimming something that can fit around a teenager's changing lifestyle, rather than something they feel they need to stop altogether.

Q. How many end up returning?

We do see swimmers return after taking a break, particularly when their school, exam or extracurricular commitments change. We are always happy to welcome previous swimmers back and make it as easy as possible for them to restart at an appropriate level.

Q. Do many teenagers progress into squads?

Yes. For swimmers who demonstrate the required ability, commitment and interest in competitive swimming, there is an opportunity to progress into our Pre-Squad and Squad pathways. However, squad swimming isn't the only measure of progression. For many teenagers, continuing to develop their stroke technique, swimming confidently, improving fitness and maintaining swimming as a lifelong skill is equally valuable. Our overall approach is to encourage swimmers to continue swimming for as long as they enjoy it and benefit from it. We don't believe that reaching the teenage years should mean automatically moving away from swimming. Our aim is to provide an appropriate pathway for each swimmer, whether that means progressing towards squad swimming or continuing with structured lessons focused on technique, fitness, confidence and long-term enjoyment of the sport.