Ending free summer swimming for Fife kids would be a 'massive blow', says former Scottish and GB swimming Head Coach

A former Scottish Swimming Board Director says the removal of free swimming for young people in Fife would be a 'massive blow'.

Ian MacCallum says swimming is a life skill everyone must be equipped with, as well as a sport which is healthy and enjoyable to take part in.

It's after the Chief Operating Officer for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust said funding for free sessions could be better used elsewhere.

Wendy Watson spoke to Fife Council's scrutiny committee amid growing pressure on the trust to balance its finances.

Currently, there is a summer 'Splash-out-for-Nowt' initiative allowing under 17's to take advantage of free swimming provision.

It has come about thanks to extra money spent by the local authority, according to the trust's website.

But anyone looking to play football or racquet sports would pay a pound.

In a statement sent to Kingdom FM News today, Wendy Watson from the trust said: "The recent discussion around summer free swimming for juniors under the age of 17 was held in the wider context of sports and leisure provision by the trust in the face of increasing budget pressures - however, the decision to deliver summer free swimming is ultimately one for Fife Council to determine.

"The trust has continued to engage more people, more often to its facilities and feed from our Quid-a-Kid sessions, which gives swimming and racquet sports for just £1, shows it is hugely popular with families.

"Also, any junior enrolled in our Learn to Swim programme is entitled to free leisure swimming at any of our sites."

Meanwhile, Ian MacCallum has emphasised the importance of children learning how to swim, saying it has a purpose beyond being a sport to improve and maintain good health.

He said: "I think it is around 25% of kids in Scotland leave primary school being unable to swim.

"It is not just for the fitness benefits, but from the safety aspect, it's hard to put a price on being potentially being able to save your life.

"Like a lot of skills, it seems to be easier for kids to pick them up at an early age and it's something that is very inclusive, swimming.

"It's not necessarily like other sports where it is all the biggest and strongest that are necessarily the best.

"It's a skill for everyone.

"It's certainly a sport that's healthy and that everyone can enjoy."