RECORD numbers of children are learning to swim in Fife.

More than 8100 youngsters have taken to the water and are currently enrolled in the Learn to Swim programme, delivered by a national partnership.

Scottish Swimming and Scottish water, alongside 37 Leisure Trusts and Aquatic Providers including Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (FSLT), have been on a mission to create the next generation of confident, safe and competent swimmers.

The programme has been running in the Kingdom for six years across 14 venues, with FSLT's aquatic offering bouncing back fully within five months of pools and leisure centres reopening post-pandemic.

Lee Cunningham, Activities Manager at FSLT, said: "There are so many important reasons for children to learn to swim.

"Not only is it a vital life skill, swimming also provides children with physical exercise and develops their social skills.

"Swimming teaches children how to overcome challenges independently and become safe and confident in the water; all of these are invaluable contributions to their personal development.

"At FSLT, we’re always looking to help kids along that journey in whatever way we can."

FSLT is now looking to expand its teaching provision for five to nine-year-olds who missed out on significant development opportunities during the pandemic.

There is also increased demand for instructors and staff at the trust's facilities.

To showcase this, FSLT has hosted a careers roadshow across Fife throughout April and May.

Funding is available to support candidates' professional training, covering swim teaching and child protection.

For more information on job opportunities and the career roadshow, visit: www.fifeleisure.org.uk/careers