Thousands of adults and children learn to swim in Scotland
MORE than 210,000 people across Scotland have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme that's making waves in water safety and inclusion.
The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, has now supported 210,337 children and adults across Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the last 7 years.
Every week, 83,777 children and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland – a 2% increase on last year's total, this includes 8,533 people in Edinburgh.
The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including 13 pools in Edinburgh.
Looking ahead, The Learn to Swim Framework now has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028.
John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is an incredible milestone and testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and instructors across Scotland.
'The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a vital role in helping children and adults build confidence, stay active, and most importantly, stay safer in and around water. To reach more than 210,000 participants is a fantastic achievement.'
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'It's fantastic to reach this latest milestone – we are delighted the Learn to Swim programme continues to go from strength to strength –with around 84,000 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week.
'Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence.
'We are proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.'
Preschool-aged children now make up 20% of the programme, with over 16,000 of Scotland's youngest learners starting their learn to swim journey early.
The number of adults taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons has also grown, with an 8% increase over the past year, rising from 1,704 to 1,840 participants.
Importantly, the programme is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level – and the programme is now also reaching more children with disabilities than ever before.
There are now 2,745 children with disabilities currently in Learn to Swim lessons, with 81% of them taking part in mainstream lessons, a significant rise from 66% in 2024.
This includes children who have completed the programme and are now confident swimmers, the total number of children and adults supported in the last seven years stands at 210,337.
This year also marks 10 years since the launch of the Learn to Swim Framework, which has grown year-on-year and now operates in partnership with 38 leisure providers across Scotland.
The Learn to Swim Framework developed by Scottish Swimming and delivered by partners across Scotland, ensures consistent quality of swimming lessons through supportive and inclusive learn to swim environments which help children and adults to be confident, safer and competent swimmers.
The Framework is delivered in a fun and engaging way, encouraging people to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and enjoyment at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.
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- Scotsman
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- Daily Record
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