Together We Can-Learn More - The Black Swimming Association

What is Together We Can ™?

Together We Can or TWC is all about going back to the very beginning and teaching participants how to be safe in and around the water. This programme is meant for those who have a deep fear and distrust of the water, and therefore stay away from it. Consequently, this puts you in even graver danger should you unintentionally enter the water in some way.

This 5 week intensive will teach you basic water safety knowledge and skills that can save your life should you ever need it. This course has also been seen as the starting point for participants’ personal journey of being more involved in aquatics.

For those that would self-score their ability on the traditional scale of 1-10, this course is for those who actually sit at -3, those people with very little to no swimming ability who are hesitant, nervous, scared or even traumatised about getting into the water. This programme has been created by individuals with more than 40 years of swimming and coaching experience and has been designed specifically to cater to those who don’t know where or how to start. It aims to teach participants to be safe in, on and around water; to be aware of potential dangers; and most importantly, to prevent drowning and save lives.

As of now, all of our TWC programmes run across the London boroughs, Cardiff and Swansea. We are growing to meet the demands in other areas across the nation. Register below to let our team know of your interest and join our BSA mailing list to receive the latest news, programme updates, and other BSA information.

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What makes our programme different?

Water safety comes first, every time. Over this five-week course we cover everything from safe pool entries, to aquatic breathing, to body composition and buoyancy. Before we move through the water, we float safely.

More mental than physical. Although being in the pool can be quite tiring for our participants, this programme is much more mental than it is physical. You’ll be asked to let go of past traumas, unlearn bad habits, and embrace and adopt healthier ones. At times, you’ll be challenged to push yourself past your level of comfort, but above all, this course will require you to trust us with your water journey – no matter how difficult or delightful it may be.

You’re not alone. We’re proud to have a high practitioner to participant ratio, which enables the course to be delivered at a pace suitable for each participant. This means that each individual is able to progress at a speed that suits them depending on their ability and goals. Plus the teachers are always in the water with you – every step of the way.

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Together We Can…Better Corporate

A group of employees were given the chance to engage with a bespoke iteration of TWC, known as Corporate Blue Hour. Over five weeks and sponsored by their employer, our participants developed their confidence, competence and safety skills in the water.

The first BSA Corporate Blue Hour programme ran in spring 2023 with PwC UK employees.

TWC FAQs

I'm interested in taking part in TWC - where do I sign up?

Great news! To register, click the ‘Register’ button above. This will let our team know of your interest and that you would like to join our mailing list where you will receive information about upcoming TWC cohorts and other BSA events and news. When a TWC cohort of interest comes along, you will then be able to sign up for one where you live, work, or study.

Follow us on Instagram (@blackswimmingassociation) for information about BSA and our many programmes and initiatives.

Do you offer TWC women only sessions?

Yes we do, but not every month. For more details follow us on Instagram (@blackswimmingassociation) for information on our latest water safety sessions and how to sign up. A Programmes Calendar that will live on our website is also on its way!

I'm interested in joining but I'm scared of deep water, how deep is the pool?

We always ensure the water is shallow so all our participants are able to stand up comfortably in the pool. On top of that, the water depth stays the same across the entire pool length (which is no more than 25 metres) – so no unexpected drops!

What should I bring?

All you need to bring with you is a swim costumes/trunks and a towel to dry off after the session. Nose clips, goggles and swim hats are not necessary, but we recommend you bring them if they make you feel more comfortable. We do not provide equipment for our participants.

I'm interested in joining, but so is my mum - can we join together?

We’re very used to having friends and family members attend our sessions together, but it all comes down to availability. We offer 16 slots per cohort on a first come first serve basis, so don’t miss out! Follow us on Instagram and join our mailing list/newsletter to stay up to date.

What days are the sessions and how long do they last?

Each session lasts one hour but we require you to arrive 30 mins before each session to allow time for changing and to ensure that everyone is in the water on time. We try to avoid lateness as much as possible.

I may have to miss one session - can I still sign up?

We strongly encourage our participants to attend all five sessions to get as much out of the course as programme. However, we permit each individual one absence per course. If you have to miss more than one session, we strongly recommend you don’t sign up and instead sign up to another TWC cohort when you can commit to the dates.

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