Young swimmers return to local pools
Young swimmers are celebrating their return to swimming lessons with the reopening of six pools in West Lothian.
Following months of closure caused by the pandemic, West Lothian Leisure (Xcite), which operates six venues, has been able to welcome more than 3000 children to the national Learn to Swim Framework.
The Learn to Swim Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, is delivered by Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers and enables children of all ages to become safe and confident swimmers.
West Lothian Leisure (Xcite) welcomed back more than 3000 children from birth to 12 years to swimming lessons from Monday, April 26 – the first lessons in the area since pools had to close in December following an initial re-opening in September at the end of the first national lockdown.
Lorraine Pollock of Xcite West Lothian, said: “West Lothian Leisure and the Learn to Swim team are really excited to welcome everyone back to the pool, and eager to get back to teaching and having a positive impact on everyone’s wellbeing and development through the journey of learning to swim.”
New measures have been put in place, including social distancing, additional hygiene procedures, instructors teaching from poolside and children arriving to lessons ‘Beach Ready’ with their swimming costumes on under clothing.
Around 85 per cent of the 39 Learn to Swim Framework providers are set
to resume their programmes over the coming weeks, with the majority opening one or two pools in April.
The Learn to Swim partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water was extended for a fourth year in 2020 following its success in creating a 100,000-strong new generation of safe swimmers.
Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming chief executive officer, said: “After a long period of various closures and restrictions, we’re thrilled to see children return to the water.
“It’s great to see their excitement and eagerness to get back into the water. We look forward to seeing lessons resume
right across the country over the coming weeks.
“It is also encouraging to see the nation’s youngsters take a lead in showing that health and leisure activities can be resumed post-lockdown. We know from recent studies and advice from the World Health Organisation that the properties of chlorine make pool environments safe spaces during this pandemic to participate in sport and exercise.
“The Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers involved with Learn to Swim has shown what can be achieved when everyone works so closely and diligently together.”
Brian Lironi, director of corporate affairs with Scottish Water, said: “It’s fantastic to be in a position now where we can restart the programme and enable more children to become strong and confident swimmers – especially in the lead up to summer. With our partnership with Scottish Swimming into its fourth year, we look forward to seeing thousands of youngsters continue to both start and enjoy their lessons.”
The Learn to Swim Framework is aimed at youngsters from birth to 11 years old and provides high-quality teaching. For more details, visit the website: www. learntoswim.scot