Sport Aberdeen’s Learn to Swim Programme Receives National Recognition
Sport Aberdeen, a leisure trust in Aberdeen, has been awarded the prestigious Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award for its exceptional dedication to developing and delivering its highly acclaimed Learn to Swim programme. This programme is available for individuals of all ages, from babies to adults, and has made a significant impact on the community. The award was presented at the Scottish Swimming Annual Awards, held at P&J Live in Aberdeen on September 21st.
Commitment to Excellence
Sport Aberdeen’s commitment to providing top-quality swimming lessons to over 5,500 children every week across six city-wide pools in Aberdeen has been recognized at the awards ceremony. The organization also offers lessons for individuals with additional support needs and a progression pathway for staff looking to become Aquatics Teachers or Programme Coordinators. Despite facing challenges, Sport Aberdeen’s team has demonstrated continual improvement and progress, ensuring that opportunities are made available for community groups and individuals in areas of deprivation to learn to swim.
Creating Generation Swim
The Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year Award aims to recognize providers who create and deliver high-quality swimming lessons, equipping youngsters with essential life skills to keep them safer in and around water. The Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, has the vision of creating ‘Generation Swim’ – a generation of confident, safer, and competent swimmers who can also experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming offers. Currently, around 82,000 children and adults participate in Learn to Swim lessons across Scotland every week.
Sport Aberdeen’s Coached Programme Manager, Dianne Breen, expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of learning to swim as a vital life skill. She commended the team for providing fun and engaging lessons for children of all ages, noting the positive impact on their confidence and growth. Euan Lowe, CEO at Scottish Swimming, praised Sport Aberdeen for its exceptional commitment to delivering high-level lessons and ensuring children become safer in the water, further emphasizing the importance of the Learn to Swim programme.
The Learn to Swim Framework ambassadors, Olympic, World & Commonwealth Champion Duncan Scott and Paralympian and World Champion Toni Shaw, will visit Sport Aberdeen to celebrate the organization’s achievement. Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, commended Sport Aberdeen for its dedication to delivering high-quality lessons and encouraging young people to learn to swim, emphasizing the significance of this safety skill.
Impact and Recognition
The Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award not only celebrates the efforts of providers in teaching valuable life skills but also recognizes outstanding leisure providers across the country. With the support of organizations like Sport Aberdeen, Scottish Water, and Scottish Swimming, efforts are being made to create a generation of confident, safer, and competent swimmers. The impact of the Learn to Swim programme extends beyond acquiring a vital life skill, offering individuals the opportunity to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle centered around sport and fun.
Learn to Swim is a National Framework dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive, and quality environments where individuals can learn to swim regardless of age, ability, or skill level. The programme aims to develop confident, safe, and competent swimmers while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. For more information on the programme, visit the Scottish Swimming website.
Sport Aberdeen’s Learn to Swim Programme has set a benchmark for excellence in delivering swimming lessons and empowering individuals to become confident and competent swimmers. The organization’s dedication to providing high-quality lessons and creating a supportive environment for learning has been instrumental in shaping ‘Generation Swim’ and making a positive impact on communities across Scotland.