Liverpool Watersports Centre (LWC) is more than a place for kayaking or paddleboarding – it’s a space where lives are transformed. It has grown from a modest seasonal facility into a year-round social hub that welcomes over 12,000 people annually. Operated by Local Solutions (a charity established in 1974) since 2004, the centre Every session – from open water swimming to dragon boating – is designed not only to build skills, but to improve health, confidence, and community connection. Removing barriers, opening doors, supporting health and wellbeing For many, watersports provide a pathway to confidence and belonging when traditional learning environments have failed. LWC sees young people who arrive withdrawn and anxious leave the water smiling, proud, and eager to return. A commitment to inclusion and accessibility is at the heart of LWC: Its Wheelyboat ensures disabled users experience water sports on equal terms Free and discounted sessions give access to those who might otherwise be excluded – asylum seekers, survivors of domestic abuse, unpaid carers, NEET young people, and care leavers The centre has become a vital wellbeing resource. Year-round open water swimming helps hundreds to manage stress, improve fitness, and build resilience. It has established a men’s mental health walking group in response to rising male suicide rates, using water as a safe backdrop for open conversation. Each LWC programme is about more than exercise – it’s about giving people tools to cope with life. LWC is woven into Liverpool’s community life: Hosting celebrations such as Care Leavers Day and Volunteer Thank You events, which reinforces belonging and recognition Local businesses engage with LWC through CSR volunteering, transforming spaces like the Boat Shed into vibrant assets for the whole community An annual season launch brings together influencers, press, and sports personalities to shine a light on the role of watersports in Liverpool’s story The centre works alongside local groups such as the Amatheus Dragon Boat Club, Liverpool John Moores University Rowing Club, independent coffee shop FIKA, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which hires the site regularly to train staff in flood rescue techniques, helping to build local resilience while making best use of its unique waterfront setting Innovation LWC is constantly evolving to stay ahead of leisure trends. For example, a new aqua park in 2022 created a fresh family attraction; moonlit paddle sessions will bring a unique, atmospheric way to experience Liverpool’s waterfront, opening up new opportunities for night-time tourism. These innovations not only broaden appeal but also ensure LWC continues reaching new people who may benefit from the power of watersports. Commercial strength, social purpose Every pound earned at LWC is reinvested into social impact. Birthday parties, corporate away days, and accredited RYA courses generate sustainable income LWC markets its meeting room as an affordable, flexible space for community groups and businesses, with all income directly reinvested back into inclusive watersports programmes Partnerships with a wide range of local providers create a buzzing ecosystem of sport, enterprise, and community Driving tourism and city pride The centre plays a role in Liverpool’s tourism economy, from stag and hen packages to family days out, while raising the city’s profile nationally. The Lord Mayor’s Annual Dragon Boat Race is hosted at LWC and raises vital funds for Local Solutions’ AIMS (Activities Intense Mentoring Skills) programme: empowering young people through mentoring, life skills, and safety education AIMS helps teenagers build confidence, make informed choices, and protect themselves from risks such as exploitation and unhealthy relationships Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice hosts their Dragon Boat event at the centre, using the waterspace to bring people together in support of another good cause Partnerships with media outlets such as The Guide showcase LWC’s work, helping to attract both local residents and visitors to the city Opportunities for all ages School holiday clubs provide affordable childcare, build friendships, and encourage active lifestyles Corporate groups combine meeting spaces with on-the-water challenges that strengthen teamwork Children, families, students, professionals, and older adults alike all find something here that benefits their lives Impact stories Sue, a regular swimmer, trained with LWC for her Channel swim – showing how passion and perseverance can inspire others Young people who arrived with low confidence now volunteer as peer leaders, proving how the water can unlock potential For over 15 years, children from Garston Adventure Playground (“the Venny”) have visited LWC to experience watersports, often for the very first time. From tackling the Aqua Park to learning water safety skills, these sessions build confidence, resilience, and joy. As one staff member explained: “It’s an opportunity to step away from the stresses of school, social media, and everyday pressures — giving them a chance to switch off, have fun, and just be themselves.” Recognition from the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards confirms what LWC’s community already knows: LWC changes lives. Liverpool Watersports Centre is not just about sport, it’s about empowerment, wellbeing, and connection. By combining commercial innovation with social purpose, LWC creates opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities. At Queen’s Dock, watersports become a force for health, resilience, and hope – proving that with the right support, anyone can thrive. What next? • More case studies of social enterprise innovation
Liverpool Watersports Centre (LWC) is more than a place for kayaking or paddleboarding – it’s a space where lives are transformed. It has grown from a modest seasonal facility into a year-round social hub that welcomes over 12,000 people annually. Operated by Local Solutions (a charity established in 1974) since 2004, the centre Every session – from open water swimming to dragon boating – is designed not only to build skills, but to improve health, confidence, and community connection. Removing barriers, opening doors, supporting health and wellbeing For many, watersports provide a pathway to confidence and belonging when traditional learning environments have failed. LWC sees young people who arrive withdrawn and anxious leave the water smiling, proud, and eager to return. A commitment to inclusion and accessibility is at the heart of LWC: Its Wheelyboat ensures disabled users experience water sports on equal terms Free and discounted sessions give access to those who might otherwise be excluded – asylum seekers, survivors of domestic abuse, unpaid carers, NEET young people, and care leavers The centre has become a vital wellbeing resource. Year-round open water swimming helps hundreds to manage stress, improve fitness, and build resilience. It has established a men’s mental health walking group in response to rising male suicide rates, using water as a safe backdrop for open conversation. Each LWC programme is about more than exercise – it’s about giving people tools to cope with life. LWC is woven into Liverpool’s community life: Hosting celebrations such as Care Leavers Day and Volunteer Thank You events, which reinforces belonging and recognition Local businesses engage with LWC through CSR volunteering, transforming spaces like the Boat Shed into vibrant assets for the whole community An annual season launch brings together influencers, press, and sports personalities to shine a light on the role of watersports in Liverpool’s story The centre works alongside local groups such as the Amatheus Dragon Boat Club, Liverpool John Moores University Rowing Club, independent coffee shop FIKA, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, which hires the site regularly to train staff in flood rescue techniques, helping to build local resilience while making best use of its unique waterfront setting Innovation LWC is constantly evolving to stay ahead of leisure trends. For example, a new aqua park in 2022 created a fresh family attraction; moonlit paddle sessions will bring a unique, atmospheric way to experience Liverpool’s waterfront, opening up new opportunities for night-time tourism. These innovations not only broaden appeal but also ensure LWC continues reaching new people who may benefit from the power of watersports. Commercial strength, social purpose Every pound earned at LWC is reinvested into social impact. Birthday parties, corporate away days, and accredited RYA courses generate sustainable income LWC markets its meeting room as an affordable, flexible space for community groups and businesses, with all income directly reinvested back into inclusive watersports programmes Partnerships with a wide range of local providers create a buzzing ecosystem of sport, enterprise, and community Driving tourism and city pride The centre plays a role in Liverpool’s tourism economy, from stag and hen packages to family days out, while raising the city’s profile nationally. The Lord Mayor’s Annual Dragon Boat Race is hosted at LWC and raises vital funds for Local Solutions’ AIMS (Activities Intense Mentoring Skills) programme: empowering young people through mentoring, life skills, and safety education AIMS helps teenagers build confidence, make informed choices, and protect themselves from risks such as exploitation and unhealthy relationships Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice hosts their Dragon Boat event at the centre, using the waterspace to bring people together in support of another good cause Partnerships with media outlets such as The Guide showcase LWC’s work, helping to attract both local residents and visitors to the city Opportunities for all ages School holiday clubs provide affordable childcare, build friendships, and encourage active lifestyles Corporate groups combine meeting spaces with on-the-water challenges that strengthen teamwork Children, families, students, professionals, and older adults alike all find something here that benefits their lives Impact stories Sue, a regular swimmer, trained with LWC for her Channel swim – showing how passion and perseverance can inspire others Young people who arrived with low confidence now volunteer as peer leaders, proving how the water can unlock potential For over 15 years, children from Garston Adventure Playground (“the Venny”) have visited LWC to experience watersports, often for the very first time. From tackling the Aqua Park to learning water safety skills, these sessions build confidence, resilience, and joy. As one staff member explained: “It’s an opportunity to step away from the stresses of school, social media, and everyday pressures — giving them a chance to switch off, have fun, and just be themselves.” Recognition from the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards confirms what LWC’s community already knows: LWC changes lives. Liverpool Watersports Centre is not just about sport, it’s about empowerment, wellbeing, and connection. By combining commercial innovation with social purpose, LWC creates opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities. At Queen’s Dock, watersports become a force for health, resilience, and hope – proving that with the right support, anyone can thrive. What next? • More case studies of social enterprise innovation