Free Learn to Swim Programme for 13 – 21 Year Olds

Level Up: Swim is our new free Learn to Swim programme for teenagers and young people, made possible through the Summer of Sport investment from the Scottish Government. Designed for young people aged 13–21 living in West Dunbartonshire, this initiative aims to address a significant gap in current provision by supporting those who are non-swimmers or who have not yet developed basic swimming skills or water safety awareness.

We recognise that traditional Learn to Swim programmes do not always meet the needs of this age group. Many young people may lack confidence, have had negative past experiences, or face barriers that prevent them from taking part. Level Up: Swim offers age-appropriate, inclusive sessions in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment, helping participants to build confidence at their own pace.

The programme not only focuses on developing essential swimming skills, but also provides a clear pathway for ongoing progression. Participants will have opportunities to continue developing their aquatic abilities, with the potential to progress into further training and even explore pathways into roles such as swimming teaching.

Young people aged 13–21 can be at increased risk around water due to greater independence, peer influence and reduced supervision. By combining practical swimming lessons with vital water safety education, Level Up: Swim aims to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence and decision-making skills needed to stay safe in and around water. Ultimately, this programme supports long-term drowning prevention efforts while empowering young people to enjoy the water safely for life.

Initially we will be introducing intensive programmes during the summer period. These will be first come first serve basis to West Dunbartonshire residents and further weekly classes will be introduced for book from August.

Venues & Dates

  • Clydebank Leisure Centre: 10 July – 31 July - Fridays
  • Meadow Centre: 4 August – 7 August - Intensive Week ( 4 classes in 1 week) Tuesday to Friday (no class on a Monday)
  • Vale of Leven Pool: 27 July – 31 August - Intensive Week ( 4 classes in 1 week) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (no class on a Tuesday)

Cost

All courses are free of charge.

Course Schedules

Clydebank Leisure Centre - 10 July to 31 July 

Level Times
13 to 16 years 2pm to 3pm
17 to 21 years 3pm to 4pm

Meadow Centre - 4 August – 7 August

Level Times
13 to 16 years 9.15am to 10.15am
17 to 21 years 10.15am to 11.15am

Clydebank Leisure Centre - 10 July – 31 July

Level Times
13 to 16 years 10.45am to 11.45am
17 to 21 years 11.45am to 12.45am

How to Book

Level Up: Swim Intensive classes are run as a block of 4 lessons at Vale Pool and Meadow.

Clydebank will run 4 Friday sessions.

  1. Register your child via Join@home with West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust (please enter child's details).
  2. Select Book Class.
  3. Choose Location and Teen Intensive.
  4. Show Courses and select the class you want to book.

Please note: Classes will no longer appear online once they are fully booked.