Influx of new instructors means more deaf swimmer are taking to the water

More deaf children will be able to access swimming lessons after 97 swimming instructors were trained under a new scheme.

Instructors will use cue cards and sign language to enable deaf youngsters to become confident swimmers.

After the first year of the two-year programme, the teachers have given lessons to 48 children in Scotland.

Organised by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), one deaf young person has also been funded to become a qualified swimming teacher under the scheme.

Heather Gray, NDCS Scotland and Northern Ireland director, said: "This deaf-friendly swimming project continues to be a major boost to our objective to ensure that no deaf child or young person is disadvantaged in their pursuit of sport.

"Far too many deaf young people are being denied the opportunity to swim because many swimming providers don't know how to meet their needs.

"Being able to swim is not only a life-saving skill, great fun and fantastic for building confidence, it opens up a whole world of water-based activities."