AN East Renfrewshire leisure trust has been shortlisted for a major award following its commitment to helping young people learn to swim.

It comes after East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust have been shortlisted for the Learn to Swim Provider of the Year at the Scottish Swimming Annual Awards.

The award recognises the effort of providers in creating and delivering “high-quality lessons” and providing youngsters with essential life skills to keep safe in and around water.

Robert Hammond, Head of Operations at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust, said: "We are thrilled to be announced as Learn to Swim Provider of Year finalists.

"It is great recognition of our team's hard work and commitment.  
 
"Since we adopted the framework, all new and existing swimming teachers have been upskilled and supported, to ensure the delivery of the best quality programme for young swimmers.  
 
"We have increased our participant numbers as a result, offering swimming lessons to around 3,200 local children.

"Working with community partners, we have a revised Curriculum School programme, offered to all local primary schools, and we continue to support Ren96 as our competitive partner club.

"We have also embedded water safety and drowning prevention at the heart of all of our programmes.  
 
"We also want to thank our partners at Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water for their ongoing support, along with our team.

"It is a privilege to support our local community and teach these essential life skills for the long term."  

The category celebrates local authorities, leisure trusts, and aquatic providers delivering the Learn to Swim National Framework across Scotland – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: “We’re very lucky in Scotland to have so many excellent local authorities, leisure trusts and aquatic providers working towards the common goal of teaching this vital life skill across the country. 

“Not only that but we’re especially fortunate to see firsthand the brilliant work that those shortlisted have put in to deliver lessons at the highest level and ensure that children are becoming safer in the water.

"It’s going to be tough to pick a winner!” 

The ceremony will take place on September 23 in Glasgow.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water added: “The award night gives us an incredible opportunity not only to thank everyone involved in the Learn to Swim framework for the good work they all do, but also recognise all of the outstanding leisure providers shortlisted. 

"With their help and hundreds of others across the country, we're making a really positive difference in creating Generation Swim, a generation of safe and competent swimmers, who not only learn a vital life skill but will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer."