MORE youngsters than ever before are learning to swim in Barrhead and Neilston.

Hundreds of children have been splashing around the pools at Barrhead Foundry and Neilston Leisure Centre in recent weeks.

Now a campaign has been launched to encourage more teenagers – and adults – to learn to swim.

The venues are two of four East Renfrewshire facilities which collectively give lessons to around 2,600 children between the ages of three and 12 every week.

Run by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL), classes are also held at Eastwood Park Leisure Centre and Eastwood High Sports Centre.

Karen Baxter, ERCL’s swimming development team leader, is hoping lots more people will take the plunge.

She said: “We’ve seen a big increase in parents bringing their youngsters to our pools for swimming lessons.

“The main reason is that people want their children to be safe when they visit swimming pools, either at home or when they are on holiday.

“Kids love splashing around in water and it’s also a fun way of introducing them to an active, healthy lifestyle and building confidence in even the youngest of children.”

ERCL offers a wide range of sessions for swimmers of varying ages and abilities.

Karen added: “While children make up most of our learn to swim sessions, we have a wide variety of classes for teenagers, as well as adults.

“We also have learn to swim sessions for youngsters and adults with disabilities.

“When we are teaching beginner classes, we normally work to a ratio of one teacher in the water to six children and, for advanced classes, the ratio is one instructor to eight children.

“We also offer one-to-one and one-to-two sessions for more individual tuition.

“We even offer coaching that will lead to someone becoming a qualified swimming instructor.”

For more information about the swimming sessions taking place across East Renfrewshire, including a timetable, click here.

Alternatively, contact the Foundry on 0141 577 4050 or call Neilston Leisure Centre on 0141 577 4833.