Latest news with #ScottishSwimming
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Stirling pensioner at front of swimming lessons drive - and says age no barrier
The 74-year-old says an early experience of almost drowning as a youngster shaped his attitude - and has spoken of the benefits of getting into the water. A 74-year-old who swims every week at Stirling University is backing a campaign telling people it's never too late to learn the skill. John Nicolson is a real advocate of learning to swim - but an early experience almost shaped his attitude for life. 'I nearly drowned when I was three years old in a pond and it put me off swimming for many years – my school experience was not great either. 'I came back to swimming later in life and now gain huge amounts from swimming every week. 'Once I came to the first class I found it really challenging. The whole coaching process was excellent and I began to realise I was doing things and it just clicked. It was an improving journey all the time and I've still got a lot to do, but the journey has been fantastic. 'Swimming enables me to be fitter, it enables me to have a sort of platform and that is my way of keeping fit, keeping healthy and being able to do all the things I couldn't do when I was arthritic. 'I think if anyone's got doubts about learning to swim because of age or capability or health, I think they've got to try it. 'They will find learning to swim will enable them to do other things as well that you want to do in life like getting about, and that I think is essential.' Scottish Swimming has seen a 152 per cent increase in adult swimming programmes as reported by National Learn to Swim Framework lesson providers across the country. On the back of the launch of #NeverTooLate last year – a campaign to get more adults learning to swim and taking up aquatic sports - lesson providers delivering the National Framework (a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water), have reported a substantial increase in adult involvement from 729 adults in 2024 to 1840 in 2025. Staggeringly one in three adults in the UK cannot swim the length of a pool yet 63 per cent of Scots say it is important to them to have access to a swimming pool, the sea or a loch on holiday. Learning to swim is an essential life skill and never more so than in the summer months. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: 'The recent good weather makes water all the more appealing for a swim or paddle and this is when people need to be fully aware of the dangers. 'Our drowning statistics in Scotland are more than double those of the UK and our unique geography with 11800 km of coastline and 30,000 inland waters means that danger is never far away. 'My hope is that the #NeverTooLate campaign continues to have an impact and persuades even more adults to learn this vital life skill. 'Swimming is a fantastic activity, when done safely, for family enjoyment, individual fitness and all round health. 'It's great to see John and others like him gaining so much enjoyment from swimming as well as the important health benefits.' According to the Scottish Household Survey in 2023, 13 per cent of adults swim regularly – the highest participation sport after going to the gym and weight training. For women participation rates are even higher - 14 per cent of women swim regularly – the same percentage who do keep fit and aerobics, and for adults with disabilities swimming is the highest participation sport.
Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rutherglen school named winner of Scottish Water competition
Trinity High School's Eco Club was named the winner of Scottish Water's 2025 Making Waves Challenge, part of the Generation H₂O programme. The school impressed judges with its campaign on the environmental impacts of artificial grass, which can cause surface water flooding and microplastics in water environments. Read more: 'What do you call a wizard's dog?': Pupil reaches joke competition final The campaign was promoted both internally and externally, engaging with Rutherglen Amateur Swimming Club and a local Scouts group. The school was selected as the winner from 34 entries across seven schools in the Central Belt. Luke McGowan, teacher at Trinity High School, said: "The Eco Committee were thrilled to win the challenge and have face-to-face time with Duncan. "They are passionate about protecting the environment and the Making Waves Challenge was a great way to put their passion into action – even better that we won." As a reward for their victory, Trinity High School received a visit from Duncan Scott, Scotland's most decorated Olympic athlete, as well as a water safety lesson from Scottish Swimming. Duncan said: "It's great to see the enthusiasm and dedication of the young people to protect the water environment and playing their part in being a responsible water citizen." The Making Waves Challenge is part of Scottish Water's Generation H₂O programme, which aims to inspire young people across Scotland to celebrate and protect the nation's water. Read more: Glasgow's unsung WWII heroes honoured for bravery Lorna Neilson, manager of the Generation H₂O programme, said: "We'd like to thank all the schools that participated in the Making Waves Challenge. "We were very impressed by the quality of all the entries and, in particular the entry from Trinity High School and we were thrilled to have Duncan Scott on board to help celebrate the school's success." 'Scottish Water is Scottish Swimming's Learn to Swim partner, and Duncan is our Learn to Swim Ambassador, working together really is a great way to reward young people for their efforts in becoming responsible water citizens – in and around water.'
Edinburgh Reporter
09-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Adults encouraged to learn to swim to boost water safety this summer
Each summer, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry. For a surprising number, that isn't a lifestyle choice – it's the result of not ever learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions. The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar. Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family. Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back. 'Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they're held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it's too late to start. 'We're challenging that idea head-on. It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: '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. 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – 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 will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow. Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children's safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper 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 modelling resilience for younger generations. While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles. Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change. With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it's not just about learning to swim – it's about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family. Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Trinity High win visit from Scotland's most decorated Olympian Duncan Scott
The Eco Club at the school won Scottish Water's 2025 Making Waves Challenge. A secondary school in Rutherglen has won Scottish Water's 2025 Making Waves Challenge as part of an education programme to encourage young people to protect the future of the nation's water. The Eco Club at Trinity High was named as the winner of the challenge - which is part of the utility's Generation H₂O programme - after demonstrating strong engagement and creating a campaign about protecting our water environment. The school beat off competition from a total of 34 entries from seven schools across the Central Belt and was rewarded with an inspiring visit from swimmer Duncan Scott, Scotland's most decorated Olympic athlete, and a water safety lesson from Scottish Swimming. The Trinity High team demonstrated a well-rounded campaign about the impacts of artificial grass which can lead to surface water flooding as well as microplastics in Scotland's water environment. And the school's Eco Club promoted their campaign internally and externally, engaging with Rutherglen Amateur Swimming Club and a local Scouts group. A panel of judges representing Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming were impressed by the calibre of all entries. Scottish Water Generation H₂O programme, which the Making Waves Challenge is part of, inspires young people across Scotland to become part of a movement to celebrate and protect Scotland's water, creating responsible water citizens. By working with Scottish Swimming, the programme also demonstrates the importance for everyone to be responsible in and around water. On winning the competition, Trinity High teacher Luke McGowan, said: 'The Eco Committee were thrilled to win the challenge and have face to face time with Duncan. They are passionate about protecting the environment and the Making Waves Challenge was a great way to put their passion into action – even better that we won.' After the visit, Duncan Scott, said: 'It's great to see the enthusiasm and dedication of the young people to protect the water environment and playing their part in being a responsible water citizen.' Lorna Neilson, Generation H2O programme manager, said: 'We'd like to thank all the schools that participated in the Making Waves Challenge. We were very impressed by the quality of all the entries and in particular the entry from Trinity High School and we were thrilled to have Duncan Scott on board to help celebrate the school's success. 'Scottish Water is Scottish Swimming's Learn to Swim partner, and Duncan is our Learn to Swim Ambassador, working together really is a great way to reward young people for their efforts in becoming responsible water citizens – in and around water.' Generation H₂O is designed to inspire young people to become part of a movement to celebrate and protect the nation's water, one of the most valuable and precious resources, creating responsible 'water citizens' for a flourishing Scotland and connecting them to Scottish Water by raising awareness of the company and its crucial role across Scotland. It gives learners across Scotland the tools to protect Scotland's precious water. Designed for Scottish classrooms, the programme teaches students about water conservation in a way that connects to their local environment. All resources and available to download at Generation H₂O was launched by Scottish Water in September 2023 and, so far, 920 of teachers have registered across Scotland, reaching 54,127 young people. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Adults urged to learn to swim to stay safe this summer
Every summer, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. 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... Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry. For a surprising number, that isn't a lifestyle choice – it's the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework - Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar. 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family. Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back. Adults urged to learn vital water safety skills 'Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they're held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it's too late to start. 'We're challenging that idea head-on. It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: '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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations - 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 will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow. Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children's safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they're about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations. While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles. Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.
