Tag: Learn to Swim National Framework

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

National initiative encouraging adults to learn and lead by example

EVERY 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 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adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions.

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 take 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.

Para-swimmer Scott inspires a new wave of inclusive swimming


Edinburgh-based Paralympic medallist backs ‘See My Ability’ campaign

A NATIONAL campaign is championing inclusive swimming across Scotland by breaking down barriers and creating multiple pathways into the sport.

The team behind the Learn to Swim National Framework, have launched the annual ‘See My Ability’ campaign which sets out to highlight that swimming is for everyone and aims to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities. 

This year the campaign is celebrating Edinburgh based former para-swimmer and swim teacher Scott Quin, a Paralympic silver medallist and inspiring advocate, who is championing inclusive, mainstream swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

The Learn to Swim Framework is open to everyone regardless of age, ability or skill levels, with the partnership committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all.  

Launched in 2019, the See My Ability campaign forms part of wider efforts to remove barriers to swimming across Scotland and is showcasing the vital role that swim teachers like Scott play in inspiring others and helping to make swimming more accessible for people in all life stages. 

His journey from elite athlete to swim teacher at Edinburgh Leisure’s Leith Victoria Swim Centre has inspired many, positioning him as a local hero and mentor for aspiring swimmers of all abilities.

Scott is now a dedicated swim teacher to over 120 people a week from ages three and a half to adults. He said: “I am beyond grateful for the support I’ve received throughout my Paralympic career, and I’m thrilled to give back through teaching. 

“Watching people learn and enjoy the water reminds me of the joy swimming has brought me, and I want everyone to experience that – whatever their ability.

“It takes a whole community to make swimming possible – from lifeguards to facility staff. Every person contributes to a supportive environment, and I am honoured to be part of that. My mission now is to help others experience the magic of swimming, just as I have.”

Scott was born with Crouzon Syndrome, a condition requiring multiple surgeries throughout his youth. Despite these challenges, he achieved success as a swimmer, proudly representing Scotland on the world stage. Now, as a swim teacher, he is an inspiration to others, using his platform to encourage young athletes with disabilities to embrace swimming as a lifelong passion.

His journey from athlete to swim teacher has been bolstered by Edinburgh Leisure’s inclusive support, which allowed him to seamlessly transition into a new role. 

The organisation, one of 38 providers of the Learn to Swim Framework – a partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming – is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive and quality environments where Scott and other enthusiastic Learn to Swim teachers like him across Scotland can thrive.

Marie Kneeshaw, Aquatics Development Officer, from Edinburgh Leisure commented: “Scott’s commitment to fostering an inclusive swimming environment aligns perfectly with our mission. 

“His journey from competitive swimming to teaching is an inspiring testament to the power of sport to unite, and we’re proud to support his role in promoting equality in swimming.”

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: “Learning to swim should be accessible to everyone and anyone. The Learn to Swim programme provides a setting to allow children, no matter their ability, to learn the skill with their peers.

“The framework has been specially designed so that the lessons can be adapted for all levels and abilities, to help increase the accessibility and inclusion of swim lessons to all children. 

“Not only is swimming a vital life skill but it is proven to have a positive impact on social development.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such a vital life skill, especially in Scotland where we have so many miles of rivers, reservoirs, lochs and coastline. 

“It’s great to hear about inspiring swim teachers like Scott, who exemplify the values of Learn to Swim in helping to build inclusive and supportive environments where individuals of all ages and abilities can thrive, get active and learn and enjoy swimming in a safe way. 

“It is so important to provide supportive, inclusive environments where everyone – no matter their ability, skill level or age – can learn to swim and the gain basic water safety knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water. Plus, they’ll also get to experience the other health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”

The ‘See My Ability’ campaign has championed inclusivity since its inception in 2019, and recent results highlight its success. 

The approach promoted for disability swimming is to assess, allocate and review. This encourages swimming lesson providers to create the best environment available, and if appropriate adapt lessons, to ensure children develop and progress. 

In some cases this might require smaller group sessions, one-to-one or additional support, however where possible “See My Ability” encourages providers to include children with disabilities in mainstream lessons to learn with their peers.

The programme has seen a rise in mainstream participation, with 66% of children with disabilities on the Learn to Swim Framework now enrolled in mainstream lessons compared to 54% in 2020. The campaign encourages children of all abilities to take part in swimming lessons in a safe and supportive environment.
Around 81,000 children and adults are learning to swim each week through the national framework.

The Learn to Swim Framework is focused on reaching an additional 100,000 children by 2025. This programme is already making a significant impact, helping thousands of young people stay safe and thrive in the water.

For more information about Edinburgh Leisure, visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ 

For more information about Learn to Swim, visit: 

https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim

New wave of teachers needed to create ‘Generation Swim’

National campaign launched to combat swim teacher shortage

TEACHERS who are playing a vital role in creating ‘Generation Swim’ – a generation of safe and competent swimmers – are being celebrated across the country as part of a Scotland-wide recruitment drive.

The team behind the Learn to Swim National Framework has launched the recruitment campaign in Edinburgh, with at least 10% more teachers required to meet the swimming lesson demand in Scotland.

The Learn to Swim National Framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water which is delivered by 38 aquatic providers across Scotland in more than 160 pools – is shining a light on the inspiring teachers involved in teaching the next generation of youngsters to swim. There are over 76,000 children across the country currently taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons.

In 2022-23, over 740 candidates took part in 72 swim teacher training courses across Scotland and now the organisers are urging those looking to learn a new skill and become a swim teacher to attend courses in their local area.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Being a swimming teacher is an incredibly rewarding career, teaching an essential life skill to others and it’s important to be celebrate the individuals who make it all possible.

“Sadly, there is a real shortage at the moment in a role that is absolutely crucial in ensuring that young people in Scotland can be safe in the water.

“It takes three months to train a swimming teacher and equip them with the skills they need. There is huge opportunity in the sector for those looking for a rewarding job, whether it is a student looking for part time work or someone more senior looking for a career change, there is something out there for everyone.”

Organisers have launched the nationwide drive to recruit a new network of poolside teachers, promising huge job satisfaction as they help children of all ages and abilities to become more confident, safer and competent swimmers.

The National Learn to Swim Framework has already provided lessons to more than 100,000 youngsters, and aims to reach another 100,000 by 2025.

Duncan Scott, Learn to Swim, Forfar, Angusalive

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water said: “it’s great to see there is huge demand for Learn to Swim lessons across the country and the enthusiastic, dedicated teachers delivering these lessons play such an important role in encouraging and supporting children of all ages and abilities to learn and enjoy swimming in a safe way.

“Becoming a swim teacher is an amazing opportunity for people to make a difference and be part of creating a meaningful legacy for Scotland to help children be safe in and around water.”

The Learn to Swim Framework helps to create quality Learn to Swim environments for children from birth upwards where they learn the vital skills to become safe and competent swimmers, and also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer as they progress through the aquatic pathway.

Individuals will be put through the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) which is the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers with a range of abilities and is essential for seeking employment as a swimming teacher.

Scottish Swimming support National Framework partners to develop their teachers with regular continued professional development and access to resources to help with their lesson delivery.

Learn to Swim aims to build a real legacy for Scotland – creating “Generation Swim” by improving water safety, and giving all children a real platform for success to achieve their full potential both in the pool and out.

For more information on the teaching courses, visit https://scottishswimming.com/events/events-calendar/qualifications

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim