Swimming can change your life. It's never too late to learn
Tragically, in 2024 alone, the National Water Safety Forum reported that there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland.
That equates to almost six fatal drownings per one million people, nearly twice the rate seen across the rest of the UK.
Most of those who lost their lives were male, with the highest proportion aged 20 to 29 years old. Many of these incidents occurred during recreational and everyday activities, particularly in coastal waters.
A flaw many of us share is the belief that tragedy won't touch us, that the heart-breaking stories we read in the news happen to other people, not to us or those we care about.
The truth is, any body of water can be dangerous without swimming experience, even more so if those around you aren't able to help.
We often tell ourselves it's too late to learn something new, but when it comes to swimming, that simply isn't true. I've seen people in their seventies not just learn to swim but make it part of their weekly routine.
Taking the first step can be daunting, but it's never too late to learn. That's the message behind our Never Too Late campaign, encouraging adults of all ages to challenge the myth that swimming is only for the young.
Through Learn to Swim, over 1,800 adults of all ages now take part in sessions, joining around 82,000 youngsters learning each week in 167 local pools across the country, with countless inspiring stories emerging as a result.
Now to be honest, you won't feel confident at first - but that's exactly how learning begins. What matters is taking action, because if you don't, nothing will change.
That's where Learn to Swim comes in, a national partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, providing the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities across Scotland to learn to swim in supportive and inclusive environments, and access to gain vital basic water safety knowledge and skills to become confident, safer and competent swimmers who also experience wider health and social benefits swimming offers.
One memorable story of someone benefiting hugely from these lessons was 80-year-old Gloria Mitchell from Kirriemuir, who overcame her lifelong fear of water through the Learn to Swim lessons.
A frightening experience in deep water had left Gloria fearful of swimming.
But by taking part in Learn to Swim lessons at ANGUSalive's Webster's Sports Centre in Kirriemuir, she finally found the confidence to get back in the water just in time for a holiday to Turkey with her friends.
If you're thinking about learning to swim, it's never too late.
Sophie McCall is Director of Aquatics Development at Scottish Swimming and maybe one day your story could inspire others too.
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Swimming can change your life. It's never too late to learn
Tragically, in 2024 alone, the National Water Safety Forum reported that there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland. That equates to almost six fatal drownings per one million people, nearly twice the rate seen across the rest of the UK. Most of those who lost their lives were male, with the highest proportion aged 20 to 29 years old. Many of these incidents occurred during recreational and everyday activities, particularly in coastal waters. A flaw many of us share is the belief that tragedy won't touch us, that the heart-breaking stories we read in the news happen to other people, not to us or those we care about. The truth is, any body of water can be dangerous without swimming experience, even more so if those around you aren't able to help. We often tell ourselves it's too late to learn something new, but when it comes to swimming, that simply isn't true. I've seen people in their seventies not just learn to swim but make it part of their weekly routine. Taking the first step can be daunting, but it's never too late to learn. That's the message behind our Never Too Late campaign, encouraging adults of all ages to challenge the myth that swimming is only for the young. Through Learn to Swim, over 1,800 adults of all ages now take part in sessions, joining around 82,000 youngsters learning each week in 167 local pools across the country, with countless inspiring stories emerging as a result. Now to be honest, you won't feel confident at first - but that's exactly how learning begins. What matters is taking action, because if you don't, nothing will change. That's where Learn to Swim comes in, a national partnership between Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, providing the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities across Scotland to learn to swim in supportive and inclusive environments, and access to gain vital basic water safety knowledge and skills to become confident, safer and competent swimmers who also experience wider health and social benefits swimming offers. One memorable story of someone benefiting hugely from these lessons was 80-year-old Gloria Mitchell from Kirriemuir, who overcame her lifelong fear of water through the Learn to Swim lessons. A frightening experience in deep water had left Gloria fearful of swimming. But by taking part in Learn to Swim lessons at ANGUSalive's Webster's Sports Centre in Kirriemuir, she finally found the confidence to get back in the water just in time for a holiday to Turkey with her friends. If you're thinking about learning to swim, it's never too late. Sophie McCall is Director of Aquatics Development at Scottish Swimming and maybe one day your story could inspire others too. Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
Daily Record
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- Daily Record
Scots warned to keep curbing water usage as scarcity still major concern despite rainfall
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