Primary school children across Scotland are set to benefit from a free, universal learn to swim offer as ministers seek to build a lasting legacy from a major summer of sport.
The Scottish Government has confirmed the rollout of a National Primary School Swimming Framework, designed to give all primary aged children the opportunity to learn core water safety and swimming skills.
The move comes as Scotland prepares to host the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and sees the men’s national team compete at the FIFA World Cup finals.
An additional £40 million for sport has been allocated in the 2026 to 27 Budget, with £2 million set aside in the first year for the swimming initiative and plans to expand the programme in future years.
Sport Minister Maree Todd made the announcement while visiting Pirniehill Primary School pupils during a lesson at a pool in Edinburgh.
She said:
“We believe that every child, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to learn to swim, a core skill that can save lives.”
“There is no better time to offer them that chance than now.
“We are preparing for a spectacular summer of sport which will see Scotland welcome some of the world’s best swimmers to Glasgow and having elite sportsmen and women competing live on our doorstep is an experience which can only serve to inspire.
“This investment is part of an additional £40 million of funding for sport, enabling more people to get active and enjoy the wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits that will last long after this year’s World Cup and Commonwealth Games have come to a close.”
Olympic swimmer Duncan Scott, who has won eight Olympic medals and 13 Commonwealth medals, welcomed the move.
He said:
“I am delighted to see this Scottish Government commitment and investment in school swimming to keep children safer and more confident in, on and around water.
“As an island nation with so much access to water it’s critical that primary school children have access to basic swimming and water-safety skills.”
Scottish Swimming Chief Executive John Lunn said:
“It’s fantastic to see this commitment to school swimming after a long-fought campaign to ensure children have access to basic swimming and water safety skills.
“This is an investment in the future, a future where children are equipped with critical life skills to keep them safer in, on and around water.”
Ministers say the framework will help ensure that learning to swim becomes a standard part of primary education, giving children skills that can last a lifetime.
