Latest news with #LearntoSwim
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Record numbers learning to swim helping Falkirk pools pay their way
Falkirk Council says its new approach to generating income is proving a success as hundreds more sign up for lessons. Record numbers of children learning to swim is helping Falkirk Council 's pools pay their way, according to a new report. The report to members of Falkirk Council's executive says that a strategy to generate additional income and reduce costs, agreed early last year, has seen a large rise in the council's own swimming lesson programme. As of March, 3,058 children were enrolled in lessons across Falkirk - a 22 per cent increase from the 2,400 participants at the start of last year. Income from the Learn to Swim programme also rose, from £596,000 in 2023/24 to £747,000 in 2024/25, while a further growth of eight per cent is expected to be reported this year. According to the report to councillors, the longer-term target for Learn to Swim is to achieve £1m of income within the next five years. Last year's review was prompted after plans to close four high school swimming pools in Falkirk were rejected by councillors following a public outcry that the council had gone for the "nuclear option" without considering other measures. A strategy to increase prices for swimming and make better use of the pools was developed and the report to the executive suggests it has been a success. The report also welcomes the formation of the Forth Valley Tridents, which brings together three long-established groups - Falkirk Otters and Bo'ness and Grangemouth swimming clubs. While the review committed to raising prices for amateur clubs, the financial success of the Learn to Swim programme means this can be done more gradually. A standardised pricing structure is now in place across all council-run school pools and a new booking system is also being introduced to help manage demand more effectively. The report makes clear that priority will be given to swimming classes and general public swimming, then amateur groups, and only then private classes. It states: "Given the prioritisation approach above, it is expected that private providers will be disappointed with their allocations in the coming months and years. "We are sympathetic to this situation, but it needs to be remembered that the council currently operates its pools at a financial loss and must prioritise available pool time on its own programme and that of local amateur clubs, rather than private for-profit businesses who are benefiting from subsidised pool use."
Scotsman
28-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Overcoming water fears transforms health journey
Campaign inspires woman in her 30s to learn vital life skill Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A LIFELONG fear of water has been conquered by a woman in her 30s who is now enjoying the confidence and freedom that learning to swim brings. Laura McLeod, 37, from Aberdeen, began adult swimming lessons in October 2023 after her GP advised that swimming could help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite being aquaphobic for much of her life, she joined Sport Aberdeen's adult programme under the Learn to Swim National Framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – and hasn't looked back. Laura McLeod, 37, from Aberdeen at adult swimming lessons After years of avoiding pools and beach holidays, she decided to challenge her fears and signed up for adult lessons at her local leisure centre. Within weeks, she began to notice changes in both her ability and her outlook. Laura mentioned: 'It was over 30 years since I'd been in a pool. I had a fear of the water, but my GP recommended swimming to help with my arthritis and fibromyalgia. I didn't actually get in the pool until my mobility got really bad, that's when I knew I had to do something. 'I started just by walking around the edge of the pool. Gradually, I worked up the courage to get in, and from there it was tiny steps. I'm still using floats but can now do the leg kick for front crawl, and I'm working on my arms, the first time I broke water and propelled myself was the best feeling ever. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I did have a moment recently where I tipped the float and went under, it really knocked my confidence. But with deep breaths and incredible encouragement from my instructors Emma and Rhys, I got straight back into the lesson. That support made all the difference. Laura McLeod, 37, from Aberdeen at adult swimming lessons 'Now I'm in the water six days a week. Between lessons, hydrotherapy, Aqua Zumba and Good Boost, it's completely changed my life. I've lost nearly 10 stone, I'm in diabetic remission, and I hardly need my inhalers. More than anything, I feel like myself again. 'Being in the pool is my 'me time'. It helps my physical health, but it's just as important for my mental wellbeing. I feel calmer, more resilient, and so much happier. Swimming makes me feel like my personal best, and I always come out feeling a hundred times better.' Laura is one of more than 1,600 adults currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland. The framework is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools, aiming to create 'Generation Swim' – a nation of confident, safer and more capable swimmers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She attributes her initial fear to a childhood experience, now Laura says the physical and emotional changes have been significant. She added: 'If it wasn't for my lessons, I honestly think I'd still be stuck at home, struggling to move and feeling defeated. Now I'm more mobile, I'm stronger, and my doctor has seen enough progress for me to come off my diabetic medication. I feel like a different person. 'The support from the instructors and lifeguards has been outstanding. They've helped me believe in myself, especially after setbacks, and they've never let me give up. 'I would tell any adult non-swimmer or anyone scared of the water: try it. Just take that first step. It really can change your life.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Never Too Late campaign, part of the Learn to Swim framework, aims to show that age and fear need not be barriers to gaining this vital life skill. By sharing real-life case studies like Laura's, the initiative hopes to inspire many more adults to take their first step into the pool. Dianne Breen, Coached Programmes Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: 'Laura's story perfectly captures the spirit of what we aim to achieve through our adult swimming programmes. Watching her go from fear to freedom in the water is incredibly inspiring. At Sport Aberdeen, we believe it's never too late to learn a new skill, and Laura is living proof that swimming can truly transform lives – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. We're proud to support people of all ages and abilities to take that first step' John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'Laura's story is truly inspiring, and exactly what the Never Too Late campaign encourages. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Many adults may have never had the chance to learn when they were young, or like Laura, they're held back by fear. 'It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From helping with mobility to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations, and Laura's story is testament to that. 'Ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely. While the programme has already helped more than 210,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. Each week, there are currently more than 1,600 adults across Scotland taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping will continue to grow. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age. For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they're about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and model resilience for younger generations. For more information about Sport Aberdeen, visit:
Edinburgh Reporter
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
West Lothian Leisure goes beyond the pool
West Lothian Leisure took a new approach to mark Drowning Prevention Week this summer, by expanding its efforts beyond the pool. The local authority embedded vital water safety education in all its sporting disciplines – inspired and led by the Learn to Swim programme. The campaign is rooted in the Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, which helps more than 82,000 children build confidence and skills in the water every week in 167 pools in Scotland. To mark Drowning Prevention Week, West Lothian Leisure took the core principles of Learn to Swim even further. Instead of regular practice, swimming lessons across the trust were transformed into water safety workshops and uniquely, coaches from gymnastics, football, badminton and golf also delivered water safety messages through fun, creative activities. At the heart of the initiative was the 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, where children dressed as their favourite superheroes while learning the Water Safety Code. The campaign spanned all ages, from baby and adult swimming classes to sports sessions for young people, ensuring more families across West Lothian received life-saving knowledge. To ensure maximum impact, West Lothian Leisure coaches underwent targeted training and held a dedicated Focus Day. Throughout Drowning Prevention Week, water safety was reinforced through interactive learning, games, and competitions at venues across the region. This comprehensive approach came as latest figures reveal the ongoing risks around Scotland's waters, the National Water Safety Forum reported that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, highlighting the critical importance of water safety education heading into summer. Lorraine Pollock, Sports Development Manager at West Lothian Leisure, said: 'This initiative is powered by our participation in the Learn to Swim programme. Drowning Prevention Week is the perfect moment to showcase how water safety can reach far beyond swimming lessons. 'We've made it our mission to get every child – whether they're in the pool, on the football pitch or in the gym – engaging with water safety in a way that's fun, memorable, and potentially life-saving. Through our 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, we're making safety relatable for families across West Lothian.' West Lothian Leisure is one of 38 delivery partners of the Learn to Swim programme, a Scotland-wide initiative that equips children with skills for life – both in and around the water. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is a fantastic example of the Learn to Swim ethos in action. West Lothian Leisure's all-sport approach demonstrates innovative thinking and shows how the programme can be adapted to reach even more families and communities with crucial water safety messages.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant over summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'So, it's great that Xcite are rolling their water safety sessions out beyond swim lessons and will reach even more people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water.' Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), is one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland. It aims to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge to stay safe around water. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Thousands of adults and children learn to swim in Scotland
Thousands in Edinburgh learn to swim with the innovative programme 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. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Over 7500 people across South Lanarkshire take part in Learn to Swim National Framework
The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including nine pools in South Lanarkshire. Over 7500 people across South Lanarkshire have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to a pioneering national programme 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 seven years. Every week, 83,777 children and adults take part in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland – a two per cent increase on last year's total. This includes 7587 people in South Lanarkshire, which is an increase of one per cent in the last year. The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in 167 pools across Scotland, including nine pools in South Lanarkshire. Looking ahead, The Learn to Swim Framework now has ambitions to reach a further 50,000 children by 2028. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android 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 per cent 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 eight per cent increase over the past year, rising from 1704 to 1840 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 2745 children with disabilities currently in Learn to Swim lessons, with 81 per cent of them taking part in mainstream lessons, a significant rise from 66 per cent 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.
