Swim programme a big success

The swimming programme run by East Renfrewshire Council is proving a real splash hit – and it’s about to get even better!

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 24 January 2014 13:25

The Learn to Swim programme has already taught thousands of people to swim in the area’s four pools.

Now, ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the council’s swimming development team will be working even harder to get children and adults into the water.

Sports services has been awarded £5,000 from sportscotland which will be used to develop a school swimming programme.

This will be on top of the dozens of classes already provided for all ages across East Ren at Eastwood High, Eastwood Park, Barrhead and Neilston.

And with Glasgow 2014 on the way and the swimming events likely to be a big draw, the Learn to Swim programme is helping deliver a lasting legacy for sport locally.

There are now extensive programmes at all four pools, which are now fully open for business. Two, Eastwood High Sports Centre and Neilston Leisure Centre were closed for long periods for major refurbishments.
During that time the swim team worked hard to maintain swimming lessons and develop new programmes.

Now there is a variety of classes for every age group of children, children with disabilities and adults.

Youngsters can work their way through the Ocean Orbit swim scheme, with Little Splashers aimed at tots aged three months to three years, right through different levels, each one building up competence, confidence and technique. These are up to the age of 16.

There are disability swimming lessons for five to 17 years, fun play sessions, diving lessons, both beginner and improver for adults, and diving classes.

Convener for community services and community safety, Councillor Mary Montague, said: “The Learn to Swim programme is an excellent scheme that has seen thousands of people of every age, particularly children, gain a skill they will have for life.

“All eyes will be on the forthcoming Commonwealth Games and many will be inspired to take up swimming, which is why we are developing our programme even further.

“The council’s swimming development team worked wonders to keep our lessons running even with two pools out of action.

“Now that all four are fully open, and with this funding from sportscotland, it will go from strength to strength.”

To find out more about the full Learn to Swim programme and how to book, see www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk