An ambitious 18-year-old is making a splash as an inspirational swimming teacher despite having to give up his dreams of being a professional athlete.

Nathan McKechnie, from Cambuslang, was diagnosed with a hole in the heart condition known as atrial septal defect, and has autism and is partial sighted.

These health conditions have not stopped him from contributing to creating a generation of safe and competent swimmers known as Generation Swim.

Mr McKechnie said: "I love being able to see children grow from week to week and I am always really proud of that progression.

"Swimming makes me feel like myself and that I don't have to pretend to be like everyone else and I love being able to pass this onto others.

Glasgow Times: Nathan McKechnie dedicates himself to teaching children of all abilities how to swim through the

“My advice for anyone is that it doesn’t matter what cards you are dealt, you should keep going and make the most of any opportunity as it can turn into something really good.”

His dedication to swimming began at the age of eight, and his talent in the water led him to train with the City of Glasgow Seals Swimming Club at 14 and with the City of Glasgow Swim Team.

Mr McKechnie was headed for the 2020 Special Olympics, but his dreams were cut short as it was postponed due to Covid.

He now dedicates himself to teaching children of all abilities how to swim through the Learn to Swim National Framework.

The framework is a collaboration between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water which has already benefitted 100,000 youngsters and aims to reach another 100,000 by 2025.

38 aquatic providers across Scotland deliver the framework in more than 160 pools.

Euan Lowe, chief executive officer of Scottish Swimming, said: "Despite personal setbacks that could have easily made him give up, he has committed himself to empowering children with a life-saving skill.

“We’re extremely proud to have instructors like Nathan who devote themselves to building people’s ability in the water. All in all, Nathan and our other great teachers, are creating a safer Scotland."

Besides teaching swimming five days a week at South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Mr McKechnie studies Sports Coaching and Development at South Lanarkshire College.

Brian Lironi, director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, said: “Nathan exemplifies the values of Learn to Swim in helping to build inclusive, welcoming environments where every child can thrive, get active and learn a vital life skill."

Individuals looking to become a teacher will be put through the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification, the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers.

For more information on the teaching courses, visit http://tinyurl.com/4b2fhpe9.