Borders Competitions Supports New Teen Swimming Initiative with a £2,385 Donation to Live Borders 

A new supportive swimming programme for teenagers across the Scottish Borders has been given a significant boost thanks to a generous £2,000 donation from Borders Competitions, which included a community prize draw that raised an additional £385.

The combined donation of £2,385 will directly fund 84 fully supported lesson places for boys and girls aged 13–19. These will be delivered over seven weeks across six key Borders sites—Peebles, Galashiels, Hawick, Selkirk, Kelso, and Eyemouth. The programme aims to help teenagers who may lack confidence or feel overwhelmed in busy pool environments.

The programme offers calm structured group sessions with each weekly class divided into two group sessions, with each weekly class divided into two 30-minute blocks and limited to seven participants per group. This approach ensures a supportive atmosphere where young people can develop essential water skills, build confidence, and enjoy a positive nurturing experience.

Jack Crowe from Borders Competitions, said “We are proud to partner with Live Borders on a project that makes a genuine difference to young people in our communities. Our donation combined with the community’s response to the prize draw will open-up access to structured, confidence building swimming lessons for teenagers. It’s exactly the kind of local impact we aim to achieve, and we are delighted to play a part in making these sessions possible.”

Karen Steel, Swimming Development Officer, said: “Giving teenagers the chance to learn to swim isn’t just about lessons – it’s about keeping young people safe and opening the door to a lifetime of water-based opportunities. From kayaking and paddleboarding to other adventure sports, strong swimming skills build confidence, independence, and resilience. These funded lessons will help ensure every young person in the Borders has the skills they need to stay safe, feel empowered, and enjoy being active in and around the water.”

The programme has been made possible not only through the Borders Competitions’ donation but also through community participation in the charity prize draw—demonstrating widespread local support for improving access to life-skill based activities for young people. This funding will have a meaningful and lasting impact, helping teenagers across the region access lessons that build confidence, safety skills, and a lifelong positive relationship with swimming.

If you would like to support a similar initiative to help keep our communities active and support inclusivity please visit Support us – Enjoy Great Days – Live Borders UK

 

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