A WEST Dunbartonshire mum has hit out at reported lengthy waiting lists for children’s swimming lessons in the area.

The woman, who asked not to be named, claims that she has been trying to get her son into swimming lessons for the past four years now and that she hasn’t even had success in securing him a place on waiting lists.

She told the Reporter that she has been unable to find any local initiatives to encourage children to swim in the region.

The woman got in touch after reading an article on our website last week promoting Learn to Swim Month across West Dunbartonshire.

She said: “There is currently no availability for child swimming lessons throughout West Dunbartonshire.

“I have been trying to get my son into swimming lessons in this area for the past four years or so, and haven’t even been able to secure him a place on a waiting list.

“I emailed West Dunbartonshire Council about this, and was told that even if you have managed to get onto a waiting list, wait times are currently in excess of six months.”

The woman’s concerns came as the Scotland-wide ‘Learn to Swim’ programme comes to a close.

September marked ‘Learn to Swim Month’ with local authorities, leisure trusts, and aquatic providers organising activities, including swimming lessons, all month long.

Euan Lowe, chief executive officer at Scottish Swimming, said: “Learning to swim is a life skill and it’s so important for everyone to learn how to be confident and safe in the water.

“A Learn to Swim month digital toolkit has been sent to all providers and a series of promotional videos are being created to help encourage more children into the programme.

“We are aiming to reduce the barriers to any child learning to swim so we’re delighted to have a month dedicated to the initiative.”

However, the woman claims that she has not been able to access any of these activities for her child.

She added: “I can’t even take my child swimming in my local pool during the week until after 6pm as the pools are closed for lessons.

“When the pool does finally open, I’m unable to teach him myself as the main pool is sectioned off for lane swimming only.

“It’s near impossible to learn how to swim in September or any other month.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear this residents unhappy and we would encourage her to contact West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust (WDLT) directly.

“WDLT Learn to Swim Scheme operates seven days a week and is currently operating at full capacity by offering lessons to 2,000 young people every week.

“There was no waiting list after the pandemic and the list was reopened for parents to register their children.”