A Granite City leisure trust has become the first in Scotland to be awarded a top swimming accolade.

Aquatics Aberdeen has become the first Learn to Swim framework provider in Scotland to be awarded the highest accreditation award given out by the national governing body for swimming, Scottish Swimming.

Aquatics Aberdeen, run by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, was recently awarded SwiMark Plus, a nationally recognised accreditation programme for clubs and swim schools who consistently provide the highest quality experience and encourage local participation.

SwiMark is Scottish Swimming’s highest accreditation awarded and successful achievement confirms that the Aquatics Aberdeen programme is leading the way in:

• Developing safe, effective and child friendly environments, based on good practice
• Improving the participation experience through excellent staff training programmes
• Encouraging and supporting lifelong participation through sustainable swimming development pathways and partnership working with the local swimming clubs

Jill Franks, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development, said:

“I am extremely proud of the whole Aquatics Aberdeen team for their hard work and dedication in providing second-to-none swimming opportunities in Aberdeen and am thrilled that we are the first leisure trust in Scotland to be awarded this top accreditation.

“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities and inspiring more people to take part in physical activity and through these accreditations we can ensure that we are delivering the best possible coaching to people in the local community.”

Dianne Breen, Aquatics Aberdeen Manager, also commented:

“I’m thrilled that we have received this accolade which, alongside the Scottish Swimming Learn to Swim Provider of the Year Award 2017, recognises the excellent standards consistently delivered by our Aquatics teachers and the positive investments we have made in education programmes.”

Fiona Paterson, Participation Programme Manager at Scottish Swimming, said:

“I would like to congratulate everyone at Aquatics Aberdeen on becoming the first Leisure Trust to achieve SwiMark Plus. This highlights the quality swimming environment that Aquatics Aberdeen provide, which will lead to opportunities for lifelong participation and enjoyment of swimming to all those who take part.”