A YOUNG swimmer has made a splash at an awards ceremony.

Jacob Stankiewicz, aged six, from Andover has won a top prize at this year’s Learn to Swim Achiever Awards held in Portsmouth.

There were inspiring tales of bravery and determination as Southern Water, which organises the Learn to Swim scheme, celebrated young swimmers from Hampshire, Isle of Wight and West Sussex who were recognised at this year’s awards.

Jacob was nominated by his swim teacher, Paula Tasker and has been learning to swim at Andover Leisure Centre for one year.

Children who had conquered a fear of water and youngsters who succeeded in the pool despite considerable challenges collected their medals and certificates from Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and Invictus Games champion Mike Goody, in front of an audience of parents, families and coaches from participating pools and clubs.

Duncan said: “I have been a Learn to Swim ambassador for more than twenty years and each year I am proud to celebrate extraordinary achievers. The awards are all about young people who have been really tested by the learning to swim experience. Swimming is a fantastic sport and more than that, it’s a challenge. Another amazing part of Learn to Swim is the instructors, they teach children a life-saving skill.”

Mike Goody started swimming with Southern Water’s Learn to Swim scheme 25 years ago and recently took home two gold medals at this year’s Invictus Games in Sydney. He said:

“Swimming is one of the most valuable life lessons and skills anyone can learn, and as you get older it opens up a whole new world of things. The swimmers are an example of what can be achieved through sheer determination. A favourite quote of mine – ‘just keep swimming!’”

Beverley Thompson, community engagement manager for Southern Water added: “Celebrating our young achievers is one of the many highlights of the Learn to Swim scheme. We would like to thank all the instructors at the clubs and pools across the regions who give their time and expertise to teach all our young swimmers.

“Here at Southern Water we are passionate about keeping children safe around water. With over 700 miles of coastline in our region, it’s so important to teach them this life-saving skill.”