Duncan praises Learn to Swim month for encouraging youngsters
LEARN to Swim Month is entering its final lap in South Ayrshire after “a month-long celebration of swimming.”
The Scotland-wide initiative programme has been championed by Commonwealth Games gold medallist Duncan Scott - who kicked off his swimming career in South Ayrshire.
It has seen local authorities, leisure trusts, and swimming pools offer swimming lessons and classes to young people across September.
Aiming to help children become safer, more competent, and more confident swimmers, the programme has had more than 100,000 children take part across its duration.
Duncan said: “After competing in world-wide events, it’s so nice to be able to come back to the grassroots and motivate those at the beginning of their swimming journey.
“Whether youngsters simply become regulars at the pool or if this involvement inspires the next generation of competitive swimmers – only good things can come from encouraging more children into the water.”
Scottish Swimming’s Chief Executive Officer, Euan
Lowe, said: “Learning to swim is a life skill and it’s so important for everyone to learn how to be confident and safe in the water.
“A Learn to Swim month digital toolkit has been sent to all providers and a series of promotional videos are being created to help encourage more children into the programme.
“We are aiming to reduce the barriers to any child learning to swim so we’re delighted to have a month dedicated to the initiative.”
The month also aims to encourage those interested in becoming a swimming teacher to make contact with their local pool.