'Swimming bid' for unborn babies

Unborn babies were lined up for swimming lessons

Unborn babies are believed to have been added to a waiting list for heavily subscribed swimming lessons by pregnant women in Aberdeenshire.

The unusual move was thought to have been made in a bid to ensure their children could get a place in busy classes.

The issue emerged after a review of the waiting list.

It is now hoped that an increase in lesson fees will fund new instructors to help meet growing demand.

Aberdeenshire Council's head of lifelong learning and leisure, Rod Stone, told the BBC Scotland news website: "A team looking at reducing waiting lists thought they had evidence of some kids being registered who perhaps could not be traced.

"It looked like some parents were so keen that they planned that far ahead."

'Swim safely'

Mr Stone said there were only a relatively small number of such incidents, which the council did not want to be blown out of proportion.

Councillor Sydney Mair said: "It's an indication of the seriousness of the problem of getting youngsters taught to swim.

"We have one of the longest coastlines in Scotland and it's imperative we give youngsters every opportunity to learn to swim safely.

"The issue is being tackled."

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