Tag: swimming

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

Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Edinburgh

Visual cards break down barriers for inclusive swimming lessons

A PIONEERING visual teaching tool has launched in Edinburgh, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.

Supporting Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water’s vision to create ‘Generation Swim’, SwimPix – a collection of waterproof visual instruction cards- is helping to transform how Edinburgh Leisure and George Watsons swimming teachers communicate with their students.

The cards represent the latest learning development in the Learn to Swim National Framework, which currently helps around 81,000 children and adults learn to swim each week across Scotland.

SwimPix features multiple display options, including sequence boards and lesson planners, covering lessons through pictures which children with autism, hearing impairments, or where English isn’t their first language may find benefit – supporting the Framework commitment to creating inclusive, supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.

Alison Bell, Founder of Aswim, said: “SwimPix are a tried and tested teaching and communication tool for swimming teachers that helps create a more inclusive swimming environment.

“It’s great to see teachers using SwimPix and children having fun in the lesson with the cards.  It really reduces anxieties and helps children know what the teacher is asking them to do, therefore faster learning.”

Edinburgh Leisure and George Watsons are two of 37 Learn to Swim providers who are introducing the SwimPix cards in their lessons across 165 pools in Scotland.

Euan Lowe, Chief Executive Officer at Scottish Swimming, said: “By making swimming lessons more accessible through tools like SwimPix, we’re taking another significant step toward our mission of creating a generation of confident and safer swimmers.

“These visual teaching resources ensure that swimming really is for everyone – breaking down communication barriers and helping all children feel included and supported in the water.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water said: “Learning to swim and understanding water safety are vital life skills, especially in Scotland where we have so many miles of rivers, reservoirs, lochs and coastline to enjoy.

“Rolling out inclusive teaching tools like SwimPix is such a positive step, helping provide opportunities for every child to learn the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safe in, on and around water – and help their parents and family network feel confident and comfortable in their swimming abilities.”

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to remove barriers to swimming across Scotland, with visual learning tools becoming increasingly important in inclusive education.

The Learn to Swim National Framework has already seen more than 100,000 children take part in lessons up and down the country and is targeting another 100,000 by 2025.

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:  

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

National swimming framework spotlighted in the capital

A NEW framework that aims to revolutionise water safety in schools has been celebrated in Edinburgh.

Scottish Swimming, in partnership with Scottish Water, hosted a landmark event yesterday at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool to celebrate The National Primary School Swimming Framework.

The celebration introduced Scotland’s most decorated Olympian Duncan Scott MBE and double Paralympian Toni Shaw as ambassadors for the Framework and highlighted the critical importance of swimming education in primary schools across Scotland.

The National Primary School Swimming Framework aims to ensure pupils across Scotland, particularly at Primary 4/Primary 5 level, learn basic water safety and drowning prevention skills to be safer and more confident in, on, and around water.

Olympic champion Duncan Scott MBE shared: “Swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a life skill that can help save lives. I’m honoured to be part of this initiative that aims to make swimming accessible to every child in Scotland.

“The fact that over 9,200 pupils have already benefited from the pilot phases is encouraging, but it’s crucial that we continue to bridge the gaps and ensure equal opportunities for all our young people.”

During the event, attendees heard from Scottish Swimming, Scottish Water, sportscotland, Duncan and Toni, as well as seeing a lesson in progress with children from Niddrie Mill and Castleview primary schools.

Paralympian Toni Shaw added: “Swimming has transformed my life, and I believe every child should have the chance to experience its benefits.

“This framework is a step in the right direction, but we need to ensure it reaches every corner of Scotland. Inclusive swimming education is not just about creating champions, it’s about empowering all children with confidence and safety in the water.”

The Framework, now available for schools across the nation, has already made significant strides. More than 9,200 pupils have participated in two phases of pilots carried out across nine local authorities in Scotland.

Craig Burn, Director of Sport at sportscotland said: “The National Primary School Swimming Framework represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve water safety and swimming education across Scotland.

“By partnering with Scottish Swimming and other key stakeholders, we’re creating a comprehensive approach that will help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have on young lives, potentially reducing drowning incidents.”

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Scottish Water is proud to support this new framework. Water safety is paramount – with Scotland’s natural landscape which has approximately 30,000 inland waters and 6,000 miles of coastline, coupled with worryingly high drowning statistics.

“This framework will be key to creating ‘Generation Swim’ and ensuring more children across the country get the basic – but vital – water safety knowledge and skills to help keep them safer in, on and around water.”

The National Primary School Swimming Framework offers flexible delivery models, allowing schools to adopt different approaches based on their circumstances, such as universal or targeted programmes for non-swimmers.

It focuses on water safety education, with the Water Safety Code integrated throughout, aligning with Water Safety Scotland’s drowning prevention initiatives.

The framework’s development has been supported by the Scottish Government through sportscotland, with additional credibility added by the inclusion of Education Scotland and Water Safety Scotland.

To learn more about the National Primary School Swimming Framework or to support its implementation, visit:  

https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim/school-swimming-framework

Scots Paralympians congratulated

First Minister: athletes at the top of their fields inspirational

As the 2024 Paralympic Games draws to a close, First Minister John Swinney has commended Scottish athletes for their world-class performances which will inspire future generations.

21 Scottish athletes took part individually or in team events, securing 11 gold medals, eight silver medals and one bronze medal – contributing to ParalympicsGB’s overall medals tally of 124 medals.

Athletes from Scotland broke records in pursuit of gold medals, including Stephen Clegg’s record-breaking S12 backstroke time, Jenny Holl’s effort as pilot for Sophie Unwin on her way to gold and a world record in the Women’s B 3,000m individual cycling pursuit, and Sammi Kinghorn achieving a gold medal while setting a new Paralympic Record for the Women’s T53 100m.

The First Minister said: “I want to pay tribute to and congratulate all of the ParalympicsGB squad, including the 21 Scots on the team, for your performances in Paris.

“You are all athletes at the top of your field, and Scotland has been cheering you on throughout these Games.

“Your performances will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to take up sport, achieve their own goals and become more active in their own lives. The next generation will be inspired by where you are now, and the Scottish Government and partners will work to ensure there will be opportunities for them to follow suit.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of sportscotland, said: “On behalf of everyone at sportscotland I want to congratulate every single one of the Scottish athletes who have represented Paralympics GB in Paris over the last couple of weeks.

“There have been some extremely strong performances from our athletes, including personal bests, Paralympic and World records and a very impressive haul of medals, demonstrating the enormous level of commitment and talent across the team. 

“All of this success is down to years of hard work from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport and we are proud to be part of the ‘team behind team’ supporting the athletes.”

Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said: “Congratulations to all the Scottish Paralympians and their significant support networks in Paris.

“The performances are testimony to the inclusive approach Scottish Governing Bodies of sport are taking to ensuring para-athletes are supported.

“Not all of us will be able to reach the heights of these international high-performance athletes however, what we can do is commit to working in partnership to ensure that children, young people and adults can access quality PE, comprehensive sporting opportunities and the chance to move more every day.” 

Charity to host free Scottish Disability Sports Event for children living with muscle wasting conditions

Muscular Dystrophy UK and Scottish Disability Sport join forces to host a free Scottish sporting event on Saturday 24 August 2024.

The leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions is calling on people in Scotland to join the free session.

The event will give children aged under 18 living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions the opportunity to try different sporting activities, such as curling, powerchair football, boccia and swimming.

Children will be fully supported with adaptations, so they can enjoy playing sports, learning new skills, and meeting other children living with a muscle wasting and weakening condition.

There will be an opportunity for people to speak with Scottish Boccia, Powerchair Football Players and representative from Scottish Swimming on the day. Special thanks to Scottish Curling and SPFA for providing equipment.

Paralympian Stephen McGuire, 40, from Hamilton, Glasgow, lives with merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. From the age of 14 Stephen has used a power wheelchair and has been part of the GB squad for 20 years. He is due to compete in his fourth Paralympian games in Paris (28 Aug – 8 Sept) following his appearances at London, Rio and Tokyo.

He said: “It has always been a dream of mine to compete at the Paralympics, so to be able to compete at my fourth one is incredible. I love competing in sport – sport is my passion. I’ve been hooked ever since, as it’s given me a purpose.

“The sport is really inclusive, you can play Boccia from school level to regional or national level, so I would encourage everyone to give it a try.

“That’s why the Scottish Disability Sport Event is important to help children explore different sports to build up their confidence and abilities. I had the opportunity to speak and demonstrate at some of the events. It’s joyous to see the younger generation getting involved and potentially witness upcoming future Paralympians.”

Jacqueline Munro, Head of Regional Support, Outreach, and Information said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Scottish Disability Sport once again to offer children aged under 18 the opportunity to try different sporting activities.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to meet others in the muscle wasting and weakening community in Scotland to engage in a fun filled day and find out how Muscular Dystrophy UK can offer support.”

Scottish Disability Sport is the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

Joshua Thomson, Events Manager for Scottish Disability Sport said: “Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to be working in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK to provide a unique opportunity for children and young people living with muscle wasting conditions.  

“All of the sports are being delivered by coaches from Scottish Governing Bodies with expertise and knowledge in working with people with muscular dystrophy and similar conditions.”

The event will take place between 12.45pm– 4.30pm at Grangemouth Sports Complex, Abbots Road, Grangemouth, Falkirk, FK3 8JB. Accessible toilets and changing areas will be available including a Changing Places toilet.  

Find out more and register your interest musculardystrophyuk.org/Scottish-disability-sports-event

PDSA: Vet’s top three things you need to know when taking your dog swimming this summer

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh says: “As we approach the summer months, many of us may consider taking our dogs with us to the beach or letting them cool off in lakes and ponds. Swimming can be great exercise for dogs, but there are a few water safety tips every pet owner should be aware of.

“Before you think about heading out, make sure to check how hot it’s going to be. Even with the opportunity to swim, days out in the sun could put your dog at risk of heatstroke, so consider whether it might be safer to leave them at home.

“Remember that if it is too hot, even getting your dog to the water might be a problem as hot sand or tarmac can burn their paws. Once you and your dog are by the water, there are many things to keep in mind to help keep them safe.”

  1. Make sure they can swim

“First, it’s essential to remember that not every dog is a natural swimmer. Dogs with shorter legs such as Corgis and dogs with flat faces such as Pugs may find swimming hard work. Some dogs won’t enjoy being in the water at all, so don’t force them. Watch out for signs that your dog is getting tired and encourage them back to you to rest.

“If your dog seems keen to enter the water, it is important to make sure they know how to swim first. If there is dog friendly or hydrotherapy pool nearby, they are great, safe places for them to practice swimming and get the hang of things.

“Taking it slowly and splashing in the shallows can help build their confidence before they venture deeper in. Use your arms to support them under their stomach as they get the hang of kicking with all four legs. Encourage them back to shore frequently, so they know where the exit point is and can return to dry land if they feel tired.

  1. Choosing the right spot

“Picking the right swimming spot is a big step in ensuring your pet’s safety. If swimming in nature, make sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, and carefully select the location.

“Lakes are often calm and have plenty of shallow spots for your dog to rest. Make sure to scan the area for any hazards, such as fallen branches, boats, windsurfers, or fishermen as they could potentially present a danger to your dog.

“Also be on the lookout for blue-green algae – this grows in stagnant water and is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Dog friendly beaches can also make perfect spots for a dip – but remember to check the tide times, look out for warning flags, and make sure the waves are small.

“It is important you never let your dog enter the canals as the water is often stagnant, which can be a health hazard as they may catch an infection and there’s increased chance of blue-green algae growth. There are also often dangers under the water and not many places for your pooch to climb out. Fast flowing rivers or flood waters are also unsuitable as the currents can quickly cause your dog to struggle and get into trouble.

  1. What to do in an emergency

“Never leave your dog unattended around water, even if they are a strong swimmer. If your or someone else’s dog gets in trouble in the water, it’s best to avoid going in after them as this can put you in danger as well. If you can, remain on the shore, calling your dog to give them a target to swim towards. If there is an inflatable ring available, you can throw this into the water to help keep your dog afloat.

On a beach, lifeguards may be able to assist helping your dog to shore, otherwise ring 999 and ask for the coastguard to get help from professionals.

“If a pet becomes unresponsive after swimming or has drowned, it is important to know how to perform CPR to give them the best chance. While you begin CPR, have a second person ring your vet who will be able to offer support.

“If you do not feel confident in performing CPR or dealing with emergency situations with your pets, PDSA has a free pet first aid guide which offers both lifesaving and practical tips.”

For more information on water safety, you can visit https:\\www.pdsa.org.uk\\pet-help-and-advice\\looking-after-your-pet\\puppies-dogs\\water-safety

Swimming should be prescribed to improve health, says expert

Medical specialist tells MSPs about the multiple health benefits of swimming

AN EXPERT in the medical benefits of swimming has told an influential group of MSPs how encouraging the population to take up the sport could transform Scotland’s health.

Dr Mark Harper is renowned for his research in the area and was one of a series of guest speakers at an “Everyone Can Swim” event at the Scottish Parliament.

He told some of Scotland’s key political figures how 15% of people in the UK are taking five or more medicines a day, in some cases to deal with the side effects of another medicine and how taking up swimming can act as a medicine in its own right.

Dr Harper, who swam competitively as a Masters swimmer, told the audience: “There is one medicine that everyone should use and its exercise. For a lot of people, swimming is one of the only things they can do. 

“If someone is frail or has a loss of balance, swimming is really the only option. It improves heart and lung health while strengthening joints and lowers diabetes. 

“Swimming, as a life skill and an exercise, can have hugely positive impacts on people’s lives and it’s important that people in Scotland are taught to swim from a young age.”

The event was hosted by Scottish Swimming, which in partnership with Scottish Water delivers the Learn to Swim programme for children – a Framework that is creating Scotland’s “Generation Swim”, as a lasting legacy for the nation.

It has already helped more than 100,000 youngsters to be safer and more confident in the water and aims to reach a further 100,000 by 2025, helping them to unlock long lasting health benefits.

Across Scotland there are 37 National Learn to Swim Framework providers, working across 160 pools, with currently 76,500 children learning to swim each week.

Dr Harper, a Consultant Anaesthetist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals whose research has focused on cold-water swimming, told the Holyrood audience that one in three adults in England can’t swim, yet 7.5 million take to the water outdoors every year. He cited swimming lessons as the only way to keep people safe in the water.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “To have an expert of Dr Harper ‘s calibre reinforcing the huge benefits of swimming really helped the message cut through with the audience. 

“All of us at Scottish Swimming share his mission to ensure awareness is raised about the major health advantages that swimming offers, along with the other benefits it can bring to so many lives.”

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water said: “Our drive to create Generation Swim is about leaving Scotland with a long-lasting legacy.

“Teaching children how to be safer and more confident in the water is a first step to unlocking significant health and wellbeing dividends. It was brilliant to hear Dr Harper underline that so emphatically.”

The ‘Everyone Can Swim’ event featured a range of high-profile advocates for the importance of swimming and its impact on safety, health and communities. 

Speakers included popular triple Olympian Hannah Miley MBE; Alan Lynn, former national coach of Scottish Swimming and Head of Performance Development at British Swimming; and Fulton MacGregor MSP, who sponsored the reception.

Dr Harper is a consultant anaesthetist at Sussex University Hospitals in the UK and Kristiansand in Norway. He is a leading expert in the prevention of hypothermia in surgical patients and the therapeutic uses of cold-water adaptation and open-water swimming.

Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart. 

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, visit:

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

Swimmers diving into history with The Great Royal Swim Challenge

Swimmers from Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching sessions are looking to dive into history with the Great Royal Swim Challenge by taking on the challenge to collectively swim from the Royal Commonwealth Pool to Balmoral Castle in celebration of the King’s Coronation.

Children in Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching classes in Swim Skills 4, Club Ready and Junior Skills & Drills classes, will aim to swim a total of 166km, the distance between the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Balmoral Castle, during their swim lessons between now and 5th May, with each class totalling the distance they swim. 

As there are different numbers of classes at each pool it will be an Edinburgh Leisure team challenge and the total distance in metres for all pools will be accumulated to reach Balmoral Castle.

Marie Kneeshaw, Edinburgh Leisure’s Aquatics Development Officer explained: “Our swim coordinators collectively came up with this exciting challenge for swimmers in our coaching classes to take on the challenge to swim 166km, the distance between the Commie Pool and Balmoral Castle, aiming to complete the challenge by Friday, 5th May, just before the King’s Coronation.

“This will be an amazing target to reach and hopefully this will get our swimmers up for the challenge.”

At the end of the challenge each swimmer in the Swim Skills 4, Club Ready and Junior Skills & Drills will receive a certificate of congratulations for taking part in the Great Royal Swim.

Follow the children’s progress by following Edinburgh Leisure on their social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching-courses/swimming#greatroyalswim

Lifesaving Summer with RLSS UK and B.O.S.S

To mark the end of a lifesaving summer, the Black Owned Swim School (B.O.S.S) has held two events to give young people the opportunity to enjoy water safely by having their first dip in open water. 

The events were held at lakes in Tamworth, Staffordshire, and Stoke Newington, London and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) was proud to help support by offering open water coaching and safety tips ahead of the swims. 

National charity RLSS UK aims to reach as many people as possible to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy water safely, no matter their background. The charity has partnered with charitable organisation B.O.S.S who aim to work to prevent drowning in the most vulnerable, at risk communities in aquatics. 

During the summer months, young people from Birmingham and London were able to head to their local pools to take part in swimming and lifesaving sessions to give them the skills needed to enjoy water safely thanks to B.O.S.S and RLSS UK.

Annalize Butler is the owner and founder of B.O.S.S and has been teaching swimming for 15 years, and was the driving force behind the lifesaving summer events. 

Annalize said: “I work in an environment where I might be the only black person on the poolside within the whole city. Sources show that in England only 2% of regular swimmers are from the black community.

“By working with organisations such as RLSS UK, we can actively change the way people think about swimming. B.O.S.S is about reconnecting people with the water in an effortless and exciting way, bringing new opportunities to engage an under-represented audience and level up in the aquatics industry. 

“It is scary how many people are affected by drowning in the black community, and it is my mission to make my community water safe.”

The lifesaving summer events have been a great success, involving many young people and equipping them with skills and knowledge around the water. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “Providing young people with the opportunity to get into a swimming pool and not only to learn to swim, but to learn vital lifesaving skills is something that should be available to all children. 

“We work with organisations such as B.O.S.S to reach and build communities from under-represented groups with limited access and opportunities in swimming. Events like lifesaving summer are a fantastic way to get young people involved with swimming and lifesaving, and change attitudes to water to ensure they can safely enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.” 

“The long term goal is to light the pathway for young people to represent their communities through the aquatics workforce. We want more young people from ethnically diverse communities taking up the personal opportunity to lifeguard our water, creating spaces where our diverse communities feel they can be safe and welcomed.”

The lifesaving summer sessions were delivered by experts in water safety and targeted those aged 10 and over and their families to educate them on how to stay safe in the water and in turn reduce the number of drownings that are usually seen during the summer months. 

The sessions were also delivered in tribute to 15 year old Thandolwethu Ndlovu, who drowned in Derbyshire in 2021.

The first event was held at West Reservoir in Stoke Newington, London on 1st September and targeted local residents as well as young teenagers who are unlikely to have access to swimming lessons in their local leisure centres, and their parents. 

Many of the swimmers had taken part in the sessions during the summer and during the event at West Reservoir they were able to take on a 50m challenge and put the skills they had learnt over the summer to the test. They were also able to try their hand at kayaking. 

The second event was held in Tamworth, Staffordshire on 3rd September at Cliff Lakes Aquapark which has a number of outdoor swimming lanes, open water swimming opportunities, as well as the aqua park. The event saw a number of young people in attendance and they were able to make exclusive use of the 50m lanes for their open water swimming challenge. 

B.O.S.S has been working with the young Birmingham swimmers throughout the summer, teaching them to swim as well as teaching them vital lifesaving skills and the event was a perfect opportunity for them to put their new skills to the test. 

All attendees were able to learn more about water safety from an RLSS UK qualified trainer, to ensure they had the right knowledge before getting in the water. Whilst the children were in the water, parents and supervisors were able to proudly watch whilst also learning about lifesaving themselves. 

Both events were enjoyed by all involved with young children, teenagers and adults taking part who now have the skills and knowledge to stay safe in, on and around water.

Granton’s Fraser scoops silver at international Veteran Games

Former Scots Guard Fraser Rowand (CORR) said he was “completely shocked” to win the silver medal in the cross-fit event at the Veteran Games in Israel.

Fraser, 41, has returned to Edinburgh after the “inspiring” event last week which brought together wounded, injured and sick veterans from across the UK and Israel.

The former Lance Corporal from Granton took up exercise to help recover from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He struggled after leaving the Armed Forces in 2013 but started to turn his life around with help from Poppyscotland. He now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh.

Fraser joined a team of 60 from across the UK and competed in the swimming and cross-fit events. He was also reunited with his former platoon commander, Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, who supported the Games.

Fraser said that the competition had motivated him to continue training and pursue his dream of qualifying as a personal trainer.

He said: “I was completely shocked to win the silver medal. I just went in and hoped for the best. I managed to complete all the tasks and thought it went well.

“The whole experience was unreal. Everyone was so welcoming, and we were treated like VIPs every day. There was a wonderful atmosphere, especially with support from all the families.

“It was truly inspiring to meet other veterans and humbling to learn about their experiences. Everyone had different abilities – there were people in wheelchairs, those who were blind or had other disabilities. But there was a real sense of pride in what they were doing, and they all refused to give up.

“I felt that the swimming event on Tuesday went badly and that knocked my confidence a little. But then the next day I had a fresh start in the cross-fit. It really shows what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

“Although it was a competition, there was a real sense of camaraderie, and we were in it together. We also met professors from both countries who were there to discuss the physical and mental health aspects. There was no divide between us, and we’d all sit down together to have dinner each night. I’ve made some great friends and we’ll stay in touch.

“It’s hard to explain the powerful impact that this event had. I think it’s going to take me a few weeks to come back down from it. But it has really motivated me to move forward and continue to work at becoming a personal trainer.

Fraser, a father-of-five, travelled to Israel with his wife Susan, as well as other competitors and their families. The families also enjoyed a range of cultural excursions around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in between events.

He also laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves in Jerusalem.

Charlie Pelling, manager of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory,said: “Congratulations to Fraser on this fantastic achievement. His commitment and motivation are truly inspiring, and this is thoroughly well deserved.

“The Veterans Games are a wonderful event that recognises the power of sport and comradeship in supporting veterans’ mental and physical health. I hope that Fraser’s story will inspire other veterans who are facing similar challenges.”

The Veteran Games was organised by Beit Halochem UK, a national charity devoted to raising awareness and funds for Israel’s wounded veterans and victims of terror. The event recognises the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting veterans’ recovery after physical and psychological challenges.

Participants competed in a wide range of sports, while also learning how their respective countries provide care for former servicemen and women who are wounded, sick and injured. The conference also saw internationally renowned academics and mental health experts from both countries meet to discuss veterans’ health, recovery, and welfare issues.

The Games are entirely funded by philanthropic donations, with Poppyscotland providing support with travel expenses for five Scottish competitors.