Youngsters making waves as pools open

end of the first national lockdown.

North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) will be able to facilitate the return of 3769 children thanks to the national “Learn to Swim” Framework.

A partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, it is delivered by Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers and enables children of all ages to become safe and confident swimmers.

And the good news for parents is that recent studies show that chlorine makes pool environments safe.

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 their clothing.

The “Learn to Swim” partnership – aimed at youngsters from birth to 11-years old – 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.

A spokesman for NLC told the Wishaw Press they were “looking forward to welcoming everyone back soon”.

Around 85 per cent of the 39 “Learn to Swim” providers are set to resume their programmes over the coming weeks, with the majority opening one or two pools in April.

Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming chief executive officer, said: “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. More information on the “Learn to Swim” framework can be found on the dedicated website.