Young Swimmers Compete in Design Challenge for 10th Anniversary

Young swimmers across Scotland have been invited to showcase their artistic talents in a new competition celebrating the tenth anniversary of the *Learn to Swim* programme. This initiative, which has empowered over 210,000 children and adults to learn essential swimming skills, is hosting the design contest for a commemorative swim cap. The winning design will be revealed during a special event on October 30, 2023, by *Learn to Swim* Ambassadors, Olympic medallist Duncan Scott and Paralympic champion Toni Shaw.

The competition aligns with the ongoing *Learn to Swim Month*, which takes place throughout September. Children currently enrolled in the programme are encouraged to submit their designs via an online platform. The judging panel will consist of representatives from *Scottish Swimming* and *Scottish Water*, who will select the winning entry based on how well the designs reflect what swimming means to each participant—be it fun, freedom, learning, or adventure.

According to Duncan Scott, the most decorated Scottish Olympian, the success of the *Learn to Swim* programme has been remarkable. He stated, “We’ve reached hundreds of thousands of young people and are continuing to grow year after year. What I really love is just how inclusive it is, welcoming children of all ages, all backgrounds and abilities, and giving them the chance to thrive in and around the water.”

The selected designer will receive a unique swim cap featuring their artwork, a goodie bag, and the opportunity to see their cap produced in limited numbers for use by learners at their *Learn to Swim* provider. The programme currently operates through 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers across 167 pools, with approximately 84,000 children and adults participating in swim lessons weekly. There are plans to expand this reach by an additional 50,000 participants by 2028.

Paralympic medallist Toni Shaw expressed her excitement about the competition, stating, “This is such a fun way to celebrate the past ten years and really mark the occasion in style. To now see so many opportunities opening up for young people, especially those facing unique challenges, is special for me personally.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of the programme and is eager to see the creative designs submitted by children.

The *Learn to Swim* framework has prioritized inclusivity since its inception, successfully integrating over 2,700 children with disabilities into swimming lessons, with more than 80% now participating in mainstream classes. This milestone not only highlights the programme’s commitment to water safety but also its role in fostering a generation of confident swimmers.

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at *Scottish Water*, remarked on the significance of the tenth anniversary, stating, “This milestone represents an opportunity to celebrate all the great work that’s been done so far. We are proud to support the *Learn to Swim* programme and work with *Scottish Swimming* and all the leisure trusts and aquatic providers across the country to create ‘Generation Swim’—a generation of confident, safer, and competent swimmers.”

The upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration Event will be held at Dynamic Earth, bringing together key partners and supporters to reflect on a decade of progress in water safety, inclusion, and physical literacy. This event aims to recognize the contributions of those involved in the *Learn to Swim* initiative and to celebrate the positive impact it has had on communities across Scotland.

Entries for the competition are now open and can be submitted through a dedicated online form. For more information about the *Learn to Swim* framework, interested parties can visit [www.learn2swim.scot](http://www.learn2swim.scot).