The Vortex - January 2026: Scotland’s Most Disadvantaged Children Miss Out On Life-Saving Swim Lessons - Debate Ahoy!
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New figures from a report by Integratis Consulting reveal that just 16% of participants in community learn to swim lessons in Scotland come from 'SIMD Quintile 1', considered to be the most deprived areas of the country.
With a 53% real terms increase in the cost of swimming lessons since 2018 it is clear why, says Scottish Swimming on the eve of a Members debate in the Scottish Parliament on swimming facilities and school swimming.
The debate starts at 3.40pm local time, and the discussion between MSPs will centre on a petition of 10,000 signatures calling for financial relief to keep pools open.
The Scottish Government has been urged to make school swimming lessons universal after new research found the poorest children are missing out. Olympic champion Duncan Scott is an ambassador for the Scottish Swimming campaign that calls for every child to learn to swim through their school as a legacy of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in July:
Craig Lord
Last year Scott, one of Britain's most decorated Olympians across all sports, all-time, ,told a Holyrood (Scottish Parliament) committee that drowning figures will worsen if action is not taken. He also told them there will be a “generation of ‘cannot swim’” folk because of the number of pool closures.
Today, Scottish Swimming repeats its mission statement by saying that "school swimming across Scotland is desperately needed to ensure fair and equal access to critical water safety knowledge and basic swimming skills for all children in Scotland".
John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said:
“Contrary to popular belief, school swimming is not universally delivered across Scotland. With eight local authority areas not delivering at all, and up to a further ten areas only partially delivering school swimming, the current situation is grim.
That’s why we need a phased implementation plan building to £6 million a year government investment to roll out the National Primary School Swimming Framework. The Framework is ‘shovel ready’ having been piloted and evaluated over the last two years. “
As well as a tried and tested Framework, there is huge support for school swimming among headteachers and from the Scottish population.
An opinion poll in 2024 found that 93% of the Scottish population agreed that all children should learn to swim. Additionally, 91% think learning to swim is an important part of every child’s education.
A survey by Scottish Swimming also found that 98% of primary school Headteacher respondents were supportive of school swimming.
Erin Cummins, Aquatics Partnerships Manager for Scottish Swimming commented,
“School swimming can help close the attainment gap. It is the only way to provide fair and equal access to all children to basic swimming and water safety skills. For many children school swimming is the only opportunity they will get to experience water in safe and educational environments.
“As an island nation with the worst drowning statistics of all the Home Nations, it really is imperative that all children can access these skills in Scotland to keep them safer in, on and around water.”
“To do school swimming we need an estate of pools which is accessible, available and affordable. It is great to see this very topic being debated in parliament on 6th January as it’s so critical for the safety, health and wellbeing of the Scottish population.”
Also In The January 2026 Vortex:
- Ryan Lochte Sells 3 Olympic 4x200 Relay Golds for Almost $400,000
- The Peaty Family Feud - my chat with Jane Mulkerrins on the Times Radio Breakfast Show
- WADA Starts Year With Reminder to Athletes of the 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods
