Don’t dive into swim lesson decision

The decision by Dundee City Council to end the provision of swimming lessons for primary school children is flawed. Although the council is correct to state the lessons are potentially disruptive to the school day, that drawback must be weighed against the potential benefits.

An average of 50 people per year accidentally drown in Scotland.

Many of them are able swimmers who get into difficulty but others are non-swimmers who do not appreciate the danger of open water — in more than a third of instances, the victim had no intention of entering the water, according to Water Safety Scotland.

It launched a drowning prevention strategy last year, highlighting dangers which are unique to Scotland.

Free access to open water through the Land Reform Act, the lack of mandatory water safety education and a different environment and climate are all factors said to contribute to a death rate almost double that of the rest of the UK.

For many, especially those who suffer economic deprivation, school lessons are the first introduction to water safety. Many will receive no more throughout their lives.

It is not going too far to suggest they are potentially lifesaving. The council will have weighed up the cost-benefit of its move before ending such an educational institution.

It should take another look.