New Learn 2 Swim programme launches

Live Borders has reinforced its commitment to ensuring as many children, and adults, as possible across the Scottish Borders are able to swim, with the introduction of an enhanced swimming lesson programme from 7 January 2019:  Scottish Swimming’s National Learn to Swim Framework supported by Scottish Water.  

Live Borders has been working in partnership with Scottish Swimming since 2007 to deliver their swimming lesson programme. Following a period of consultation and development, Scottish Swimming introduced the New National Framework for Swimming in Scotland; as part of that, the swimming lesson provision was reviewed and developed. The skilled and experienced aquatics team at Live Borders will roll out this new framework in early January 2019, in line with the organisation’s focus on expanding participation and ensuring local communities are healthier, happier and stronger.

The new Learn 2 Swim will be implemented in leisure centres run by Live Borders. These are: Teviotdale Leisure Centre, Peebles Swimming Pool, Galashiels Swimming Pool, Eyemouth Leisure Centre, Kelso Swimming Pool and Selkirk Leisure Centre. There will be the introduction of four main levels: Swimskills 1, Swimskills 2, Swimskills 3 and Swimskills 4, which also separate into Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Amanda Blacklock, charity Live Borders’ Aquatics Officer, said: “We are very much looking forward to the implementation of the Scottish Swimming National Framework, delivered by our expert aquatics team.

“For children and parents already on our swimming programme, we would like to reinforce that the fundamentals of our swimming lesson programme will remain unchanged, with establishing core aquatic skills before developing efficient stroke technique and a wide range of aquatic competencies being taught, giving children a skill that will stay with them for life.

“We have been working very hard behind the scenes to ensure this is a seamless transition. Thanks to all who have popped along to our roadshows and for those that have been unable, they are very welcome to get in touch. We remain committed to ensuring children across the Scottish Borders are healthier, happier and stronger.”

 Forbes Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Swimming commented: “It’s fantastic to have Live Borders on board with our National Learn to Swim Framework as we continue our efforts to help children across Scotland become safe, confident and competent swimmers in quality learning environments that are fun and enjoyable. 

“We’re aiming to roll our Learn to Swim Framework out to 100,000 children across Scotland, so that our young people develop confidence, skills and a real love of swimming.” 

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs for Scottish Water, said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner the Learn to Swim Framework, working closely with Scottish Swimming and Duncan Scott as our ambassador to encourage children and young people into the country’s swimming pools. 

“Learning to swim is such an important safety skill and it’s vital the basics are learned at an early age. Safety both around and in the water is the paramount reason we’re involved with the programme as it enables children to have fun and enjoy lessons while equipping them with key, life skills that will help them to be safer in the water, whether at their local pool, at the beach on holiday or even just out and about around Scotland’s miles of coastline, rivers and lochs.” 

Learn 2 Swim will roll out to all Live Borders’ swimming pools from 7 January 2019. Each lesson is 30 mins. This can be paid by Direct Debit at £20.60 per month. Parents can track their child’s ability via the Learn 2 Swim home portal. For further information: www.liveborders.org.uk