Local MSP Brian Whittle let rip at Scottish Ministers over their continued failure to give every child in Scotland the opportunity to get swimming lessons in school.
The Scottish Conservative MSP and Olympian challenged Sports Minister Maree Todd over the lack of provision for pupils to learn to swim as part of the curriculum, arguing that not only does it give children a valuable opportunity to learn a potentially lifesaving skill, but it also helps promote physical fitness.
South Scotland MSP Brian believes that there should be a legal obligation on local authorities to ensure all school pupils are given swimming lessons, but the Scottish Government has so far rejected the calls. Speaking at General Questions in Holyrood, Brian asked why the Scottish Government keeps “digging their heels in” against the policy.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Teaching every child in Scotland how to swim as part of their education is a policy that’s so obviously positive, it’s hard to understand why the Scottish Government seem so unwilling to commit to making it happen.
Not only is swimming a skill that could one day save their lives, it’s one of the best kinds of exercise that has benefits for people of all ages and abilities.
When Scotland has historically high levels of obesity and conditions related to poor lifestyle and lack of exercise, the Scottish Government should be taking every opportunity to encourage our kids to be more active.
Instead, they seem intent on digging their heels in against the policy. I’m determined that we need to make this happen and I’ll keep challenging the Scottish Government at every opportunity to do the right thing and give every child in Scotland the chance to learn to swim.”
