Young swimmers in Aberdeen had the chance to take to the water alongside Olympic and Paralympic champions during a landmark Learn to Swim event at Get active @ Northfield.

The session marked the start of Learn to Swim Month and celebrated Sport Aberdeen being named 2024 Learn to Swim Provider of the Year.

More than 40 children joined Olympian Duncan Scott and Paralympic medallist Toni Shaw in the pool for a special session recognising Aberdeen’s role in helping to create “Generation Swim” – a new wave of confident and capable swimmers.

The Learn to Swim National Framework is delivered in partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, with Sport Aberdeen supporting over 5,600 children each week through lessons across the city.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Duncan Scott said:
“Getting in the pool with the young swimmers in Aberdeen has been a brilliant way to celebrate Learn to Swim. These sessions go way beyond technique, they’re about helping kids become safer, healthier and more confident in and around the water.”

Local star Toni Shaw, who began her swimming journey in Aberdeen, added:
“As someone who learned to swim in this city, it’s incredibly special to return and see the enthusiasm these kids have. I know from experience how powerful swimming can be in shaping confidence, friendships and ambition.”

Sport Aberdeen Recognised Nationally

The Provider of the Year title was awarded to Sport Aberdeen for its commitment to teaching water safety and swimming skills, with particular recognition for:

• Strong links with local swimming clubs
• Partnership working across the city
• Programmes for children with additional support needs

Dianne Breen, Coached Programme Manager for Sport Aberdeen, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be part of this national programme, which continues to transform lives here in Aberdeen. Welcoming Duncan and Toni was a brilliant experience not just for the children, but also for our staff, who work tirelessly every week to ensure the highest standards of instruction and safety.”

Building Confidence in the Water

The Learn to Swim Framework has already helped more than 210,000 children across Scotland to become more confident in the water, with a goal of reaching a further 50,000 by 2028.

Sport Aberdeen lessons help youngsters build key life-saving skills such as floating, stroke technique and water confidence, laying the foundations for lifelong fitness and wellbeing.

Find out more

Learn more about the national Learn to Swim programme: Scottish Swimming Learn to Swim

Explore swimming lessons in Aberdeen: Sport Aberdeen Swimming