A SWIMMING project for deaf children, which has been running for two years, concluded at the weekend with a pool party.

Around 60 youngsters made a splash as the ambitious Deaf-Friendly Swimming Project, run by the National Deaf Children's Society, finished with an appearance from gold medal winning swimmer Danielle Joyce.

Over the course of the project, nearly 200 swimming coaches learnt specific British Sign Language for swimming, making the sport more accessible for deaf children. In addition, around 600 other coaches have completed an online course.

Eleanor Connelly, swimming development officer for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Deaf children can do anything other children can do, if given the right support from the start.

“This project has been vital in helping us to empower deaf young people throughout Scotland to access swimming, both as a sport and as a life-saving skill.”

Danielle Joyce, who holds the deaf swimming world record, added: “Today was a great finale for an excellent project, which has produced some great teaching and coaching techniques for instructors and has given many deaf children the confidence to take on swimming activities.

“It has been a pleasure to be involved with NDCS for this over the last two years.”