Record numbers for swimming programme

New figures that show more than 220,000 children and adults across Scotland have taken the life-changing opportunity to learn to swim, thanks to the pioneering Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.

The swimming programme has now supported 220,760 children and adults across Scotland to be safer in, on and around water over the last eight years.

The programme is delivered by 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers in over 165 pools across Scotland and currently delivers lessons to 88,676 children and adults every week, a six per cent increase on last year’s total, which includes 8804 children and adults in Fife Sport and Leisure Trust’s programme.

Commonwealth Games gold medal winning swimmer, Duncan Scot OBE, said: “As Learn to Swim ambassador I am really proud of the growth this programme has achieved in the last eight years thanks to the hard work and commitment of our partner providers and the thousands of swimming teachers across the country teaching a vital life skill.

“While not every child may be destined to be a Commonwealth or Olympic champion, everyone can learn to swim and this is essential to keep children safer in, on and around water.”

Toni Shaw, ambassador for Learn to Swim and bronze medallist at the Games, added: “As someone who came through the Learn to Swim programme many years ago, I know the value of swimming as a life skill that keeps children and adults safer in water.

“I have achieved success at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games but I am particularly proud of the inclusion campaign See My Ability which has encouraged more children with disabilities into swimming.”

John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: “It’s fantastic to see this national programme, rooted in water safety, thriving and growing which is testament to the commitment of our delivery partners and swimming teachers across Scotland.

“The Learn to Swim programme continues to play a critical role in helping children and adults become confident, safer and more competent in and around water.

“To achieve six per cent growth and the milestone of 220,000 individuals participating in the programme is something we can be really proud

of.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We are delighted the Learn to Swim National Framework continues to go from strength to strength with over 88,600 people of all ages and abilities across Scotland currently taking part in Learn to Swim lessons every week.

“It’s fantastic to see the growth in the programme and we’re proud to work with Scottish Swimming and all the Leisure Trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create ‘Generation Swim’.

Everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland’s miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines safely and with confidence – and Learn to Swim lessons provide an opportunity to equip people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water.”

Preschool and early years children – children below school age – account for 21 per cent of the programme with 18,739 of Scotland’s youngest learners starting their learn to swim journey early.

The number of adults taking part in weekly Learn to Swim lessons has also grown, with a 38 per cent increase over the past year, rising from 1,840 participants to over 2500.

This significant leap in adults learning to swim is partly attributable to the Never Too Late campaign, an award-winning initiative set up in 2025 to encourage more adults to learn to swim.

Importantly, the Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level.

The award-winning See My Ability inclusion campaign has helped to drive more children with disabilities into swimming. Currently, 2561 children with disabilities are taking part in Learn to Swim programme lessons, of whom 69 per cent are in mainstream Learn to Swim lessons