100 nursery children get free swimming lessons at ASV

Around 100 youngsters from Aberdeen’s Links Nursery & Hub are set to receive free swimming lessons at ASV

as part of an initiative aimed at teaching pre-school children how to swim.

Based at Regent Walk, Seaton, the nursery caters for children between the age of two and five.

ASV is offering each child a block of six swimming lessons at its Aquatics Centre on Linksfield Road. Swimming goggles will also be provided, as will swimwear for those who require it.

The lessons will follow ASV’s ‘Learn to Swim’ framework which has been specifically designed to introduce children to water in a fun, safe and effective way. Classes will help develop and progress water confidence and establish an understanding of core aquatic skills, with six blocks taking place throughout 2023.

Commenting on the partnership with Links Nursery & Hub, our Head of Sport, Graham Morrison said: “We understand that as the cost-of-living crisis continues, families are having to make tough choices in terms of how they spend their disposable income.

“When Excellence & Equity Practitioners, Faye Cullum and Chloe Hartwell approached us about collaborating with Aberdeen’s Links Nursery & Hub to ensure the children in our local community have access to lessons they might not otherwise have, we were delighted to play our part as this is one of our long-standing strategic goals. This latest initiative is a great example of how we can work together to achieve that."

Lara Macrae, Centre Manager for Links Nursery & Hub said Hub said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer our children the opportunity to learn to swim working in partnership with ASV. Swimming is an essential life-skill, while also benefiting the children’s’ health and wellbeing and this early intervention allows children to access different parts of the curriculum in a fun and creative way. We just hope the project can continue after this year. "

The Learn to Swim Framework is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim, as well as improve their water safety and swimming techniques, regardless of their age, ability, or skill level.

The programme is centred around progress and enjoyment, and aims to build a legacy of ‘Generation Swim’ in Scotland - a generation of safe and competent swimmers whereby children achieve their potential in the pool and out.

Nikki Drever, ASV’s Aquatic Programme Manager, said: “Early age swimming lessons can play a significant role in a child’s development, helping to build confidence and social skills, developing motor skills and strengthening the heart and lungs.

"Children can also develop better sleeping and eating patterns as a result of swimming, and so we are always keen to continuing promoting the classes we run for youngsters.”

Says Duncan Sinclair, ASV Chief Executive, "This project with Links Nursery & Hub gives local children a great opportunity to learn to swim in our Olympic-standard pools, during what is undoubtedly a tough time financially for families. I sincerely hope we can continue this project into 2024 and beyond.”

The lessons taught so far have been a resounding success with the kids, with one parent saying their daughter "loved the swimming lessons so much that she was asking everyday if she can go swimming again."

The initiative was even featured on STV News on 18 July 2023! You can see that clip below.