Oban Lifesaving Club was inaugurated in the 1970s with the purpose, not only to teach swimming, but to give instruction on lifesaving techniques and water safety. This is recognised as being a necessity in a seaside town.

In order to enrol, swimmers need to be at least 5 years old. Youngsters are taught to swim in the small pool and progress to the big pool once they are able to swim 10 metres of the breaststroke, front crawl, and back crawl. Swimmers in the big pool eventually work towards awards at bronze, silver, and gold levels of Rookie lifesaving.

Once a year, distance badges are awarded to all swimmers in recognition of their hard work throughout the year.

All teachers work on a voluntary basis and are trained by Scottish Swimming to either Level 1 or 2. Assistant teachers work alongside Level 1 and 2 teachers.

We welcome anyone who would like to join our team of teachers and poolside assistants. You don’t have to be able to swim, just have a level of commitment and be able to work under instruction. All teachers and poolside assistants must be willing to undergo checks with Disclosure Scotland in order to gain a PVG.