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…..

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.

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.

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.