Latest news with #PeterFarrer
Edinburgh Reporter
9 hours ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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".
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Ayrshire swimmers set to learn vital water safety skills as part of Drowning Prevention Week
Swimming pools across the country are adapting their lessons into workshops on water safety Over 2000 youngsters in North Ayrshire are set to learn vital water safety skills as part of Drowning Prevention Week. Learn to Swim lessons at KA Leisure facilities are teaching children how to be safer in and around water during June as part of a Scotland-wide campaign. Swimming pools across the country are adapting and transforming their regular swimming lessons into workshops which will focus specifically on water safety knowledge and skills. Swimmers will learn the crucial Water Safety Code as well as basic floating techniques which can make a massive difference when someone feels in danger in the water and that could help save their lives or someone else's. The special lessons come as latest figures reveal the ongoing risks around Scotland's waters with the National Water Safety Forum reporting that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland. Drowning prevention is one of the main objectives for the Learn to Swim National Framework and in June each year the programme does a major water safety push to coincide with Drowning Prevention Week, where youngsters take part in a bespoke water safety swim lesson delivered by the leisure trusts and aquatic providers. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: 'Every June, our Learn to Swim classes shift focus to concentrate on water safety. 'It's not just about being a strong swimmer- understanding how to recognise hazards, help others in distress and make smart decisions around water is equally important.' 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 as we approach summer when people are often more likely to be around water. 'These water safety lessons provide an opportunity to equip people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water, and help their parents and family network feel confident and comfortable in their swimming abilities.' Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), stands as one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland. here.
