Children's Swimming Lessons
Children’s swimming lessons are available for children aged 5 and upwards (to 16 years), divided into 4 ability groups with one instructor for each ability group. These are;
1st beginners (Seahorses)
2nd beginners (Otters)
Improvers (Salmon)
Deep-end improvers (Dolphin).
Progression through the levels depend on a number of factors and the teachers are aware of this and factor this in when assessing a child’s progress or development. If you are uncertain which group best suits your child, opt for the easier group.
At present we are VERY fully booked and have a huge waiting list. If you would like to add names to the waiting list please email us at info@thewaterschool.ie. Please let us know each child’s full name, date of birth, swimming ability(Seahorse, Otter, etc) and any health issues they may have. If you could also let us have a contact phone number that would be a great help. We will then contact you when there is a suitable space coming up.
1. 1st Beginner (Seahorses)
Seahorses are those who have no ability in the water at all. Here they are taught confidence exercises, safety issues and basic introduction to strokes with the aim of achieving free movement through water without arm bands or floats and to get used to being completely submerged. Once a child can do this, they receive a certificate and can move up to the next group…..
We are unable to take bookings for classes at present.
2. 2nd Beginner (Otters)
Children in the Otters group will start off able to swim on their front without the need for arm bands or floats, albeit with little technique. They will need to be confident with submerging and blowing bubbles, but may not be able to swim on their back. Front crawl, breast stroke and swimming on their back are all taught in this class.
We are unable to take bookings for classes at present.
3. Improver (Salmon)
Salmon must be free swimming on their front and back and able to swim 7m continuously. Here complete strokes are taught and developed so that the child is able to swim comfortably and able to breathe while swimming. Other strokes can be introduced depending on the ability. Children are also taught to be comfortable out of their depth. Children can spend some time working through this group, so we subdivide it into Salmon 1 and Salmon 2, each with its own certificate.
We are unable to take bookings for classes at present.
4. Deep End Improver (Dolphins)
In Dolphins, children can tread water confidently and they need to be fairly good at Front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke. These strokes are refined and other skills are developed such as Butterfly, Side-stroke, diving and underwater swimming. Children who have achieved a good standard here are ready to progress to life saving, lane swimming (advanced classes) or competitive swimming or simply be able to go and enjoy their new skill as they choose.
We are unable to take bookings for classes at present.
Swimming skills are good ground work for all the other water-based recreational activities and sports like kayaking, scuba diving, surfing and more.