1 /5 Renson Da Veiga: Dear parents and Guardians,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding an incident that occurred during a recent swimming lesson at the Willesden Sport Centre. As a parent of a child enrolled in the swimming program, I believe it is important to bring this matter to the attention of all families involved.
21st October 2025, at 18:27pm, during a lesson, my son’s swimming goggles were thrown into the deep end of the pool by the instructor, who then instructed him to retrieve them. My son almost drowned while trying to retrieve the goggle; luckily, the same instructor reacted quickly, otherwise the worst could have happened.
This action was not only inappropriate but also highly irresponsible, particularly given that my son has recently been upgraded to Kids Stage 3. As a parent, I trust that instructors are trained to prioritise the safety and well-being of all children in their care.
My son, who is still developing his swimming skills, was placed in a dangerous situation that could have led to serious consequences. The decision to ask him to retrieve his goggles from the deep end, without consideration of his current skill level, was alarming and unacceptable.
It has been two weeks since I initially reached out to the management team via email, and I have yet to receive any response or explanation regarding this serious matter.
The lack of communication is not only disappointing but also raises concerns about the oversight and management of the swimming program. As parents, we expect timely responses from the management team, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of our children.
We need to cultivate an environment where concerns can be addressed promptly and effectively. The absence of a response raises questions about how issues are handled within the program. The centres commitment to the safety of its participants and the quality of its communication with parents.
I urge the management of Willesden Sport Centre to review staff conduct and ensure that all instructors adhere to the highest safety standards. It is crucial for the peace of mind of all parents that our children are in a safe and supportive environment while learning to swim.
I hope this letter serves as a wake-up call to improve the training and oversight of swimming instructors at the centre. Our childrens safety should always come first.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.