OVER 1500 children are currently on waiting lists for swimming lessons at DG1.
But Dumfries and Galloway Council have defended the numbers, pointing out there are 636 kids in lessons at the moment too.
They released the figures in response to a query from DNG Media, submitted on behalf of frustrated parents who say they have been waiting years to get a spot.
Coming from across the region, some of the mums and dads reported being told by staff at the leisure complex that there could be waits of up to eight years.
Others revealed they have already been waiting four or five years for a space to come up for their child.
The council say that of those on their wait lists, 728 are aged under five and 550 are aged under four.
It is hoped that a council swimming tutor will be in place by the end of the summer and the local authority says that will mean they “can train swimming teachers in a more efficient and timely manner”, adding: “Securing a national tutor for swim teacher courses is a massive positive. The ability to train new teachers locally will be a significant step forward rather than sending off to the Central Belt for an eight day course.”
Explaining further the current waiting times, a council spokesperson said: “Particularly in the east of the region, other swimming lesson provision has greatly reduced, meaning our council lists have greatly increased.
“Increasing waiting lists is an issue all across Scotland, not just in Dumfries and Galloway. We try to work in partnership with local secondary schools, college and sports clubs to promote swim teaching opportunities.
“There is no timeline for how long someone is on the list as children move up levels to match their ability.”
And although there is no statutory responsibility to provide swimming lessons, Dumfries and Galloway Council does offer a block of nine lessons to all Primary 4s in the region.
The spokesperson added: “Not all regions of Scotland do this and this can provide all children who take part with some invaluable water experience.”
