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Learning to swim is a key life skill for any child that gives them the ability to get themselves out of potentially life-threatening situations. 

Children participating in our learn to swim programme, get free swim sessions at any of our centres.   

  • Each swimming lesson lasts 30 minutes
  • Each learn to swim course runs for 10 weeks
  • Awards and badges are issued as skills and stroke development are completed within each level

Course costs and rebooking

Lessons are paid for before the start of each course.  We offer a discount to people eligible for our discount card.  

  • Full price: £60 for a 10 week course (option to pay by direct debit)
  • Price with a discount card: £50 for a 10 week course (save £10)
  • Re-booking of courses takes place during week 8 of the 10 week swim course
  • We offer free parking at all our centres for participants of swimming lessons and water polo courses (register for free parking at Castle Leisure Centre)

The Learn to swim pathway

Starfish Series - baby water safety

Introduces babies to a water adventure while learning confidence and safety skills.

Stanley First Steps Series - for 2 to 5 year olds

Teaches children basic swimming and water safety skills. 

Octopus Series - for 5 to 8 year olds

Teaches swimmers to develop their confidence, knowledge and skills in the water.

Goldfish Series

The next stage for swimmers who have progressed through either the Stanley First Steps Series or Octopus Series. 

Angelfish Series

Prepares learners to swim 25m without aid, perform butterfly stroke as well as mastering sculling techniques and entries to the water. 

Shark Series

Educates swimmers in basic water rescue and survival techniques as well as starts and turns for each of the strokes.  

Advanced Swimmer Series

Develops swimming technique, speed, stamina and water polo or synchronised swimming skills.

Platinum Award

Combines survival and rescue skills with advanced swimming skills, water polo and synchronised swimming.

Progression

  • Children progress to the next level when the swimming teacher thinks they are ready 
  • As children learn and master skills at different rates, progression will not always be at the end of each course of lessons and the higher levels and challenge badges, in particular, may take longer to achieve