Kids make a splash at the Dollan
Youngsters returned to East Kilbride’s Dollan Aqua Centre this month as swimming lessons restarted following a six -month closure caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Scottish Swimming - who are partners with Scottish Water in supporting the national Learn to Swim Framework-have been working with Leisure Trusts and Aquatic Providers to restart lessons after pools were given the green light to reopen from August 31.
A range of new measures have been put in place that includes instructors teaching from the poolside and children arriving ‘beach ready’ with their costumes under clothing to minimise time in changing rooms.
In South Lanarkshire, two pools run by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) re-opened on October 5 providing lessons for children in the local area.
SLLC is working to open further pools in the area as soon as possible.
David Booth, General Manager at SLLC, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our services back as part of a careful recovery programme, including reopening the
Dollan Aqua Centre in East Kilbride and Hamilton Water Palace from October 5.
“Some additional measures will need to be in place to allow us to open these venues, and others that will follow, and I want to thank our customers for their ongoing understanding that we are all dealing with unique circumstances.”
He added: “I am particularly delighted that as part of the recover y we will be able to reintroduce swimming lessons, as these have always been a very popular and incredibly important part of the service we provide.”
The Learn to Swim programme partnership, which has helped to create a 100,000-strong new generation of young, safe swimmers across Scotland, was extended for a fourth year earlier this month.
Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming chief executive officer, said :“We are thrilled that, after a halt for six months because of the pandemic, swimming lessons are to restart and children can l earn - once more-how to be more confident and safer in the water.
“We’ ve been working closely with Leisure Trusts, Aquatic Providers and key partners within the sector over the summer to put in place procedures and guidance so that swimming lessons can take place safely and in accordance with all Government guidelines.
“Swimming is a pursuit that is essential for the health of the nation.
“So the return of children to the water in South Lanarkshire should also be seen as a significant step in providing reassurance that swimming pools are safe environments for everyone.”
Parents are being given an advice leaflet to guide them on the changes being made to allow a safe return to the water and there will be a range of resources and new signage in pools to provide additional guidance and reassurance.
Pools will have their own procedures, however some of the changes may include teachers delivering lessons from the poolside, staggered lesson times to allow for social distancing or limited spectating.
Children should come “Beach Ready” so they have their swimming costumes on underneath their clothing and are to be encouraged at home to practice tasks such as putting on goggles and drying and dressing themselves.