A GROUP of swimming enthusiasts from East Renfrewshire have become the first to take part in a new teaching qualification.

Karen Baxter, team leader for swimming development at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL), organised the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification course at the Barrhead Foundry.

It was delivered by Andrena Hammond and Lorna Smith, who are tutors with national governing body Scottish Swimming.

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The qualification provides future swimming teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan, prepare, deliver, monitor and evaluate lessons.

Kirsty MacIntosh, of ERCL, said: “This group of people are one of the first in Scotland to take part in the brand new Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification.

“We provide swimming lessons for people of all ages and abilities.

“Anyone who would like to know more can call Karen Baxter on 0141 577 4813 and she will be able to answer any questions about our fantastic swimming lesson programme.”

The Barrhead Foundry recently became an accredited venue for Scottish Swimming.

Last year, a £2.5million upgrade was carried out to the swimming pool, health suite and changing rooms.

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This included modernised equipment to improve the water quality, as well as the installation of natural, energy-efficient lighting and new tiling.

The revamped changing village provides a more spacious layout, with new cubicles, lockers and showers.

There was also investment in the health suite, which includes a new sauna cabin and steam room, as well as a new shower cubicle and changing area.

Gym customers, meanwhile, benefit from upgraded and reconfigured changing areas, which incorporate new showers and lockers.