The Scottish Water ‘Learn to Swim Service Provider of the Year’ Award was presented to Aquatics Aberdeen at the glittering awards ceremony where the Granite City swim provider fought off strong nationwide competition to take the category top spot.  

Duncan Scott, Learn to Swim Ambassador for Scottish Swimming, Olympic Silver Medallist and World and British Champion, presented the award to Aquatics Aberdeen at the event on 30th September at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel.

The ceremony was hosted by two-time World 10km Open Water Champion and Olympic Silver medallist Keri-anne Payne and three-time Olympian and double Commonwealth Champion, David Carry.

Aquatics Aberdeen provides swimming tuition for all ages from birth to adults in Aberdeen’s citywide ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, part of Scottish Swimming’s National Framework for Swimming in Scotland which, in partnership with Scottish Water, will enable 100,000 children to learn to swim and benefit from this nationwide programme.

Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen Managing Director, commented:

“I am thrilled that Aquatics Aberdeen have been awarded this top industry accolade, competing against a host of excellent entries from across Scotland. This is testament to the fantastic expertise and commitment of the Sport Aberdeen team behind the programme. “

“There are currently over 5,500 swimmers who take part in the programme each week at the 10 citywide pools that Sport Aberdeen operates, and without the dedicated team who deliver the programme none of this would be possible.”   

“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. These awards are a humble reminder that we are on the path towards achieving that vision.”

Dianne Breen, Aquatics Aberdeen Manager added:

“We are delighted to have received this award which is a true reflection of how following the well-structured programme, under the guidelines provided by the national governing body, we can inspire more people within Aberdeen to take up swimming.”

“The scheme’s main aim is to teach children and adults to swim safely, giving them the opportunity to participate in an activity which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. “

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Swimming also commented:

“We are delighted to present the Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year award to Aquatics Aberdeen.  The programme has grown and developed over the past couple of years, in particular the work that Sport Aberdeen does to ensure all children are given the opportunity to Learn to Swim is very impressive and of course this links directly to the vision of Scottish Swimming – Everyone Can Swim!”

Scottish Water are proud to support Scottish Swimming’s National Learn to Swim programme, which is helping more than 100,000 children learn to swim across Scotland. The programme highlights the importance of swimming from as early an age as possible as the first seven years are the most influential in establishing good exercise habits and setting foundations for learning throughout life.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water commented:

“We congratulate Aquatics Aberdeen on receiving this award. Swimming is a key life skill as well as being great for general well-being and fitness, and our exciting partnership with Scottish Swimming will help thousands of children learn to swim, giving them the skills, confidence and knowledge to stay safe and be competent swimmers.”