Glenogle Swim Centre Marks a Decade of Buddy Swimming: Celebrating Community and Confidence in Edinburgh
Join the Victorian Pool Crawl and Support Active Communities
On Tuesday, 3rd March, Glenogle Swim Centre proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of its beloved Buddy Swimming session, bringing together staff, volunteers, and participants for a heart-warming look back over a decade of community spirit and transformative change in Stockbridge.
Since its launch, Buddy Swimming has made a remarkable difference, particularly for older adults and individuals seeking greater confidence and companionship in the water. The programme has played a vital role in breaking down barriers to physical activity, nurturing friendships, and fostering a sense of belonging within the local community.
The anniversary event highlighted the lasting impact of Buddy Swimming. Volunteers reflected on the joy and connection they experience with Paddy, who has volunteered for over nine years, sharing, “We volunteers gain as much, if not more, joy than the Buddy swimmers.” Jayne, who recently completed three years of volunteering with Ageing Well Buddy Swimming, agreed, noting how uplifting it is to witness participants blossom in confidence. It’s not just about swimming; there’s also Gordon’s legendary quizzes, Sam’s coffee lunches, and plenty of laughter to go around.
Participant feedback demonstrates the positive influence of the programme. Caroline, a Buddy Swimmer who has participated for two years, remarked, “All the volunteers are so helpful and friendly. No one is pushed into anything they don’t feel confident about. It is just fantastic.” Eileen, another participant with two years of involvement, described receiving support in her return to swimming following multiple osteoporotic fractures. She expressed her appreciation for the programme, stating, “I love doing self-guided Aqua Steps with others.”
Buddy Swimming is now available across eight Edinburgh Leisure venues: Dalry Swim Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and Warrender Swim Centre. Sessions will also return to Wester Hailes High School following its refurbishment, scheduled for completion in 2026.
To mark this special milestone, Active Communities is inviting everyone to lend their support and help Buddy Swimming, and its wider programmes, to continue to thrive. You can donate to our unique Victorian Pool Crawl, taking place on Monday, 6th April 2026. This aquathlon-style fundraising and fitness challenge leads participants on a tour of Edinburgh’s five stunning Victorian swimming pools, offering a fun and active way to support the life-changing work delivered by Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes.
Part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well programme, Buddy Swimming connects volunteers with those who may feel less confident in the water, offering gentle encouragement, practical support, and a warm welcome. Participants frequently report improved wellbeing, greater independence, and a renewed sense of community.
Edinburgh Leisure is always on the lookout for new volunteers and participants to join the Buddy Swimming family. Whether you’re a keen swimmer wanting to make a difference, or simply looking to get back in the pool, there are plenty of ways to get involved and support this inspiring initiative.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about Buddy Swimming and the Victorian Pool Crawl, please visit the Edinburgh Leisure website.