HUNDREDS of children in South Ayrshire are benefitting from being part of a national programme to help them become better and more confident swimmers, an independent report has found.

A study of the impact of Scottish Swimming’s National Learn to Swim Framework – one of the most comprehensive teaching programmes of its kind in the UK - has found overwhelming approval from parents and from managers tasked with delivering the lessons across Scotland.

More than 2,300 children are receiving lessons at four pools in the South Ayrshire area, provided by South Ayrshire Council.

Analysis of the study found that 96% of local parents surveyed said that it is important for their child to learn to swim, with more than 75% expressing satisfaction with their children’s enjoyment from their lessons.

Councillor Brian McGinley said: “Swimming is one of the most important skills for any child to learn and we take real pride in delivering a fun and high-quality Learn to Swim programme that allows our swimmers to progress from beginner right up to competitor level and everything in between.

“We have also restructured our programme to increase capacity and maximise the opportunities for children to take part, stay active, make friends and have fun – which is what it’s all about.

“Alongside this, we also provide swimming lessons through our primary schools and provide free swimming during school holidays, giving children and young people the chance to put everything they learn in the pool into practice.”