West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust Wins Learn to Swim Award

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust has been named Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year. The award was presented at the Scottish Swimming Annual Awards on 19th September 2026, recognising the trust's growth, innovation, and community impact.

Growth in Swimming Provision Across the Region

The trust has increased its weekly swimming lessons from 293 to 513 since 2022. This represents a 75 per cent increase in capacity. West Dunbartonshire Leisure now delivers swimming lessons to more than 3,100 young people and adults every week across the region.

Inclusive and Community-Focused Programmes

Through initiatives like See My Ability and the School Swimming Programme, the trust ensures broad access. The See My Ability project helps children with complex needs develop swimming skills in a supportive environment. It keeps them connected to the broader Learn to Swim pathway.

In partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council, every primary school pupil has the opportunity to take part in swimming and water safety education during Primary 6 or 7. The trust also promotes water safety throughout the community. It hosts an annual Open Water Safety Event at Loch Lomond for pupils to gain practical experience.

Safety in and around water is central to the Learn to Swim National Framework. Swimming provides essential life skills to help people stay safer at local pools, beaches, or around Scotland's coastline, rivers, reservoirs and lochs.

Partnerships and National Framework Support

The award reflects the trust’s alignment with the Learn to Swim National Framework. This is a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water. It aims to create 'Generation Swim', a generation of confident, safer, and competent swimmers. The framework supports more than 88,000 children and adults in weekly lessons across Scotland.

Through investment in local people and strong partnerships, WDLT has created a community-focused approach. It teaches swimming and instils lifelong water safety skills. Councillor Michelle McGinty, a Member of the WDLT Board of Directors, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust's Learn to Swim programme."

Ceremony and Wider Recognition

The ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow. This year's shortlist also included Active Stirling and the University of Stirling. Councillor Sophie Traynor said: "The Board is incredibly proud to receive this award and it recognises the commitment of our teachers, staff, partners and participants."

The trust continues to deliver swimming lessons to more than 3,100 young people and adults every week across West Dunbartonshire.