Scheme helps 3600 learn to swim

More than 3600 Perth children are learning to swim thanks to a successful new initiative.

Children across the region - from newborns to 11-years-olds - have signed up to the Learn to Swim programme, set up with Scottish Swimming, Scottish Water and local Aquatic Providers, which aims to create a new generation of safe and confident swimmers.

Lessons have been run by Live Active Leisure and Kilgraston School at six pools in Perth – which has allowed around 3666 kids to come through the programme in the last three years.

The Learn to Swim Framework aims to consistently provide high-quality teaching at least once a week and which progresses through a series of lessons and levels over a number of years.

Karen Steel, Live Active Leisure swimming development officer, said:“Learn to swim in Live Active is a vital life skill for everyone.

“We continue to work in partnership with Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water to ensure the highest quality of participation.”

Scots pool hero Duncan Scott, the Learn to Swim programme ambassador, who is in hard training for Olympic trials, praised the success of the partnership.

The multi-Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European medal winner, said:“As someone who loves beating records, it is amazing to see that the programme has not only reached its target – it has smashed it.

“Getting children into the pool so that they can have fun while learning how to stay safe is the number one priority.

“It would be amazing to see children become interested in taking a love for swimming further.

“Whether they simply become regulars at the pool with their friends or whether this inspires the next generation of competitive swimmers who could one day represent Scotland or GB at the Olympics, nothing but good things can come from encouraging more and more children into the water.”

More information on the National Learn to Swim Framework and #SeeMyAbility can be found on the dedicated website: www. learntoswim.scot