Double Olympic silver medallist Duncan Scott has welcomed the news he is to continue as an ambassador after Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water’s Learn to Swim partnership was extended for a fourth year.
Scott, who produced the second-fastest split in history when he anchored the GB 4x100m medley relay to victory at last year’s World Championships in Gwangju, has undertaken an ambassadorial role alongside Toni Shaw, double gold medallist at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.
The announcement coincides with swimming pools in Scotland being able to reopen from today after being closed for almost six months although Scottish Swimming warned that few were in a position to do so.
A press release from Scottish Swimming regarding the partnership read:
“Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water’s Learn to Swim partnership which has helped to create 100,000-strong new generation of young, safe swimmers through Leisure Trusts and Aquatic Providers across Scotland, is being extended for a fourth year, in a move that aims to boost the confidence of children around water.
“Over the last few years, the Learn to Swim Framework has benefitted children from almost every region of Scotland, thanks to the successful partnership between Scottish Water, Scottish Swimming, Leisure Trusts and Aquatic Providers across the country.”
Scott said:
“I am delighted to continue supporting this important programme which will see thousands of children learn to swim, an essential life skill, as pools gradually begin to re-open across Scotland.”
The Steven Tigg-coached athlete also posted on social media, saying:
“Delighted to be the Learn to swim Ambassador for the extended 4th year
Here’s to the next cycle…..starting soon hopefully!!”
Shaw said:
“I am very proud to be an ambassador for Learn to Swim and really look forward to seeing children get back in the water over coming weeks and months as it is so important for kids to learn this life skill.”
Before the lockdown in early March, it was revealed that nearly 106,000 kids had signed up to the programme over the three years, surpassing the target of 100,000 two months ahead of schedule.
Toni Shaw: Photo Courtesy: British Swimming
The press release adds that the move into a fourth year will help highlight the importance of learning to swim and promote swimming lessons across Scotland as pools begin to open and children return to the water to learn an essential life skill that can keep them safer in and around water.
Euan Lowe, Scottish Swimming chief executive officer, said:
“We are pleased that pools finally have the green light to re-open over coming weeks and we are delighted that Scottish Water have continued their support of the Learn to Swim Framework helping us to achieve two incredible milestones this year – extending the Learn to Swim partnership into 2021, and exceeding our target in February 2020 of teaching 100,000 children to swim ahead of our original ambitious deadline.
“Continuing our valuable partnership with Scottish Water means that more children can learn to be confident and competent swimmers, equipping them with the skills needed to be safe around water.
“We are incredibly proud to continue the partnership – I’d like to thank Scottish Water for their ongoing support, and the Leisure Trust and Aquatic Provider partners who will be delivering lessons across Scotland.”
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