Latest news with #LearntoSwim
Edinburgh Reporter
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
West Lothian Leisure goes beyond the pool
West Lothian Leisure took a new approach to mark Drowning Prevention Week this summer, by expanding its efforts beyond the pool. The local authority embedded vital water safety education in all its sporting disciplines – inspired and led by the Learn to Swim programme. The campaign is rooted in the Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, which helps more than 82,000 children build confidence and skills in the water every week in 167 pools in Scotland. To mark Drowning Prevention Week, West Lothian Leisure took the core principles of Learn to Swim even further. Instead of regular practice, swimming lessons across the trust were transformed into water safety workshops and uniquely, coaches from gymnastics, football, badminton and golf also delivered water safety messages through fun, creative activities. At the heart of the initiative was the 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, where children dressed as their favourite superheroes while learning the Water Safety Code. The campaign spanned all ages, from baby and adult swimming classes to sports sessions for young people, ensuring more families across West Lothian received life-saving knowledge. To ensure maximum impact, West Lothian Leisure coaches underwent targeted training and held a dedicated Focus Day. Throughout Drowning Prevention Week, water safety was reinforced through interactive learning, games, and competitions at venues across the region. This comprehensive approach came as latest figures reveal the ongoing risks around Scotland's waters, the National Water Safety Forum reported that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, highlighting the critical importance of water safety education heading into summer. Lorraine Pollock, Sports Development Manager at West Lothian Leisure, said: 'This initiative is powered by our participation in the Learn to Swim programme. Drowning Prevention Week is the perfect moment to showcase how water safety can reach far beyond swimming lessons. 'We've made it our mission to get every child – whether they're in the pool, on the football pitch or in the gym – engaging with water safety in a way that's fun, memorable, and potentially life-saving. Through our 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, we're making safety relatable for families across West Lothian.' West Lothian Leisure is one of 38 delivery partners of the Learn to Swim programme, a Scotland-wide initiative that equips children with skills for life – both in and around the water. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is a fantastic example of the Learn to Swim ethos in action. West Lothian Leisure's all-sport approach demonstrates innovative thinking and shows how the programme can be adapted to reach even more families and communities with crucial water safety messages.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant over summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'So, it's great that Xcite are rolling their water safety sessions out beyond swim lessons and will reach even more people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water.' Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), is one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland. It aims to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge to stay safe around water. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Thousands of adults and children learn to swim in Scotland
Thousands in Edinburgh learn to swim with the innovative programme MORE than 210,000 people across Scotland have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme that's making waves in water safety and inclusion. The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults across Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the last 7 years. Every week, 83,777 children and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland – a 2% increase on last year's total, this includes 8,533 people in Edinburgh. The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including 13 pools in Edinburgh. Looking ahead, The Learn to Swim Framework now has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028. John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland. 'The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone – we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength –with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week. 'Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence. 'We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.' Preschool-aged children now make up 20% of the programme, with over 16,000 of Scotland's youngest learners starting their learn to swim journey early. The number of adults taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons has also grown, with an 8% increase over the past year, rising from 1,704 to 1,840 participants. Importantly, the programme is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level – and the programme is now also reaching more children with disabilities than ever before. There are now 2,745 children with disabilities currently in Learn to Swim lessons, with 81% of them taking part in mainstream lessons, a significant rise from 66% in 2024. This includes children who have completed the programme and are now confident swimmers, the total number of children and adults supported in the last seven years stands at 210,337. This year also marks 10 years since the launch of the Learn to Swim Framework, which has grown year-on-year and now operates in partnership with 38 leisure providers across Scotland. The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers. The Framework is delivered in a fun and engaging way, encouraging people to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and enjoyment at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Over 7500 people across South Lanarkshire take part in Learn to Swim National Framework
The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including nine pools in South Lanarkshire. Over 7500 people across South Lanarkshire have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme making waves in water safety and inclusion. The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults across Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the last seven years. Every week, 83,777 children and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland – a two per cent increase on last year's total. This includes 7587 people in South Lanarkshire, which is an increase of one per cent in the last year. The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including nine pools in South Lanarkshire. Looking ahead, The Learn to Swim Framework now has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android John Lunn, chief executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland. 'The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement.' Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: 'It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone – we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength –with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week. 'Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence. 'We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.' Preschool-aged children now make up 20 per cent of the programme, with over 16,000 of Scotland's youngest learners starting their learn to swim journey early. The number of adults taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons has also grown, with an eight per cent increase over the past year, rising from 1704 to 1840 participants. Importantly, the programme is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level – and the programme is now also reaching more children with disabilities than ever before. There are now 2745 children with disabilities currently in Learn to Swim lessons, with 81 per cent of them taking part in mainstream lessons, a significant rise from 66 per cent in 2024. This includes children who have completed the programme and are now confident swimmers, the total number of children and adults supported in the last seven years stands at 210,337. This year also marks 10 years since the launch of the Learn to Swim Framework, which has grown year-on-year and now operates in partnership with 38 leisure providers across Scotland. The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers. The Framework is delivered in a fun and engaging way, encouraging people to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and enjoyment at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Over 2000 North Ayrshire residents learning to swim safely each week through Scottish Swimming programme
The Learn to Swim National Framework has been a huge success throughout the country. Over 2,000 people a week in North Ayrshire are taking the opportunity to learn to swim. The Learn to Swim National Framework is a national programme partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water that encourages youngsters to learn to swim, as well as teaching about water safety. Every week, 83,777 children and adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim lessons - with that figure including 2,021 people across five swimming pools in North Ayrshire. In the last seven years, it's estimated that the programme has helped teach 210,337 people across Scotland how to be safe in and around water. John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland. 'The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone – we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength – with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week. 'Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence. 'We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.' The programme is also committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level – and the programme is now also reaching more children with disabilities than ever before. The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers.
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Nearly 5000 people across North Lanarkshire take part in Learn to Swim National Framework
Programme, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults in Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the past seven years. Nearly 5000 people across North Lanarkshire have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme making waves in water safety and inclusion. The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults in Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the past seven years. Every week, 83,777 kids and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons in Scotland - a two per cent increase on last year's total and including 4719 people in North Lanarkshire. The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools, with eight in North Lanarkshire. Looking ahead, the Learn to Swim Framework has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028. John Lunn, chief executive of Scottish Swimming, said: "This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland. "The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. "To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement." Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, added: "It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone - we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength, with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week. "Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence. "We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer." The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures "consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers".
