An East Renfrewshire leisure provider has won a national award in recognition of its exceptional dedication to developing and delivering its Learn to Swim programme for young people and adults.
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure took home the coveted title of Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year at the Scottish Swimming Annual Awards.
The organisation, which delivers swimming lessons to more than 3,950 people every week, was recognised for its outstanding commitment to a high-quality programme and for creating an inclusive, supportive and community-focused environment where every child can gain confidence in the water.
Judges were particularly impressed by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s tailored approach, which includes targeted support for pupils requiring additional assistance, specialised sessions for young people with additional support needs, and dedicated female-only classes that promote cultural inclusion and body confidence.
The award celebrates leisure providers, local authorities and aquatic organisations who deliver the Learn to Swim National Framework across Scotland – a partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming – with the vision to create ‘Generation Swim’: a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers who also benefit from the wider health and social gains swimming can offer.
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s win marks a significant milestone in its mission to offer a Learn to Swim programme that works for all ages and abilities, particularly families in the region – from toddlers taking their first strokes to teens building lifelong skills.
Karen Baxter, Swimming Development Manager at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “Winning this award is an incredible reflection of the effort our team puts in every single day to support our swimmers and their families.
“We pride ourselves on being adaptable and inclusive, making sure every child, no matter their background or ability, has the chance to thrive in the water while ensuring they feel safe and confident.
“We’re also committed to creating a strong and supported workforce, which we believe is key to delivering a consistent, high-quality experience across all our lessons.”
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s approach includes an effective intervention system designed to support learners who may be progressing more slowly through the programme. Staff identify pupils who are taking longer than usual to move up a level and implement personalised action plans — a move that has boosted satisfaction and retention rates.
Alongside its work with swimmers, the organisation has built a robust staff development pipeline. It offers the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) as a vocational option in secondary schools and pairs new recruits with experienced mentors, with all training costs covered.
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We’re proud to support Learn to Swim.
“East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s achievement is an inspiring example of how powerful Learn to Swim can be. Their commitment and inclusive approach to delivering high-quality swim lessons is helping to make learning to swim open to all ages and abilities. It is such an important safety skill.
“With their help, and hundreds of others across the country, we’re making a really positive difference in creating a generation of confident, safer and competent swimmers, who not only learn a vital life skill but also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”
John Lunn, Chief Executive Officer at Scottish Swimming, added: “We were incredibly impressed by the standard of entries this year, but East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure stood out for its forward-thinking, inclusive and community-led approach.
“Its team goes above and beyond to ensure every swimmer is given the best chance to succeed, and the results speak for themselves. It is an outstanding example of what the Learn to Swim programme represents.”
Now in its eighth year, the Learn to Swim Provider of the Year Award recognises organisations making a real impact in their communities by delivering high-quality lessons that help children and adults develop a vital life skill.
The winner will receive an exclusive poolside visit from the Learn to Swim Framework ambassadors – Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champion Duncan Scott, and Paralympian and World Champion Toni Shaw.
At last year’s awards, Sport Aberdeen took home the same honour, while this year’s shortlist also included Active Stirling and Edinburgh Leisure – all showcasing the powerful impact of local providers across the country.
Learn to Swim is a national framework creating inclusive environments where people of all ages and abilities can learn to swim. It helps develop confident, competent swimmers while promoting healthy, active lifestyles. Around 84,000 children and adults take part in lessons every week across Scotland.
Safety in and around water is central to the framework. Swimming provides essential life skills that help people stay safer at local pools, beaches and Scotland’s coastline, rivers, reservoirs and lochs.
For more information about the Learn to Swim programme, visit: https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim.
