What is the minimum age for swimming lessons?

5 years is the minimum age for children’s swimming classes. Generally if children are much younger than this, swimming classes are at best a waste of money and can even put the child right off learning to swim. If your child is younger than 5 we recommend our Parent and Toddler group. Exceptions can be made to this rule if a child is already very familiar with our pool, is tall for their age or has started primary school early.

What is the pupil-teacher ratio?

In order to give best quality classes, limits are placed on the numbers in each group. First and second beginners are limited to 6 children per group. Improvers and deep end groups may have a max of 12 pupils to each teacher. (Covid-19 restrictions have reduced these still further to 5 and 8)

Which class is appropriate for my child?

  • Seahorses; (1st Beginners). When a child is new to the water, uncomfortable with submerging the face, and/or needs swimming aids this is the group for them.

  • Otters; (2nd Beginners). Once they can put their head under water and manage to swim unaided for 5m on their front, then they are ready for this group.

  • Salmon; ( Improver). When the child can swim 5 metres or more on their front and on their back and are confident manoeuvring in the water with a basic knowledge of front crawl and breaststroke, then they can move up to this group.

  • Dolphin; ( Deep End).  Once children can breathe comfortably, tread water, have a good breast stroke and a reasonable grasp of the other strokes then they are ready for the deep end .

  • Advanced;  Finally once children are competent in 3 of the 4 main strokes, have enough stamina and are at least 8 years old then they can join one of the advanced swimming groups and enjoy the challenge of swimming full lengths of the pool, learning about Competition swimming and Life Saving.

What is Aquafit?

Aquafit is a fun aerobic exercise session in the water. It has many advantages over land based exercise including burning more calories and putting much less strain on your joints (for more information refer to the Aquafit page).

How do I enroll for classes?

Ask at the desk at the pool building, phone 086 8109071 or use the enrolment form. We believe that pupils currently attending classes should be given priority to re-book for the next-but-one session of classes in the interests of continuity and to sustain their swimming progress, while allowing a gap for the pupil to digest and consolidate what they have learnt. For children, having a gap between courses also gives their bodies a chance to grow and strengthen before tackling the next stage. Therefore places become available at the end of a course of lessons and these places are offered to people from the waiting list on a first registered basis. Every effort will be made to accommodate people’s requests to enrol for lessons within a particular time frame but this depends on the size of the waiting list. I.e. if you wish to attend lessons in March there are no guarantees that places are available though your preference is noted. (There are hundreds of people on our waiting list!)

How often is the pool water changed?

It takes 2 hours for all the water in the pool to be pumped through our filtering, sterilisation and heating system. When the water re-enters the pool it is purer than tap water, sparkling and clean and a comfortable 30-31 degrees. Also some of the water evaporates each day or is lost through spillage so the pool has to be topped up with extra water which comes from our own well. The pool water is also supplemented with fresh water each day depending on the number of bathers.

How deep is the water?

At the shallow end it is 0.9m deep-about waist depth on an adult. In the middle section the water gets slightly deeper-about chest deep on an adult. In the deep end it is 2.08m deep (Deep enough for diving)

If there is no chlorine in the water, how do you keep it clean?

We use the e-clear sterilisation system. Water flows out of the pool, then it is filtered through a system of fine glass granules, passes through an ultraviolet light tube and finally through an ionisation and fresh oxygen generation system. These 4 measures make the water clean and pure and make the use of chemicals largely unnecessary. (link to more details)

How long does it take to learn to swim?

Everyone is different and progresses at their own pace. The Water school system has different ability groups in different parts of the pool at the same time; each ability group with its own teacher. This means that when you are ready you can progress to the next ability group and gradually move up from beginners to improvers or the deep end exactly when you are ready for each particular stage.

I am terrified of the water. Can the Water School help me get over my fear?

This is a very common problem especially with adult beginners and the Water School is designed to be as warm and inviting as possible. Groups are kept very small and the instructors are fully qualified and used to helping nervous beginners. The water in the beginners section is only waist deep and access is easy via the non slip steps. The water is quite warm (approx 30-31˚ C). There are all sorts of flotation devices to try out to build up confidence. The instructor will ensure your safety so that you can relax and enjoy learning to swim.

I am recovering from an injury or operation. How soon can I come to the pool?

An injury such as a sprain or back problem is helped by gentle exercise in the water as soon as possible. After an operation you will need to wait until any wounds have healed, (follow your doctor’s advice), before getting back into the water. Always tell your instructor if you have an injury or have had an operation. Then they can ensure that you exercise the affected area safely and gently.

I paid for my course of lessons, but now I find I am unable to come to classes. Do I get my money back?

Occasionally something unforeseen happens and you cannot continue with your lessons. Under these circumstances we will offer to postpone your place until you’re able to continue, or give you a refund, whichever you prefer. However we would need to be kept informed, refunds cannot be considered if you simply don’t turn up!

How long will it take for my child to learn?

This depends on your child’s prior experience, level of apprehension and anxiety, level of comprehension, level of poor habits picked up elsewhere, expectations…Children will not learn to swim overnight. Some learn faster than others. Our instructors can give you a solid assessment and approximate determinations, after working with your child. Older children may experience more anxiety whereas a younger child may be more carefree. Starting your child in the water early at our Parent and Toddler group is beneficial. Children learn at their own rate. Consistency with lessons and lots of opportunity to practice at other pools (or at the beach!) between Water School courses is the best way to achieve the desired result.

Why choose The Water School?

Fully qualified staff, quality swimming lessons, chlorine-free water and a warm, clean and friendly environment.

How long is a typical lesson?

45 minutes. This will be structured around a lesson plan by the instructor and will include a variety of activities. This allows time for introductory activity, main lesson plan and recreational activity.

What are the advantages of formal swimming lessons?

Although many people learn to swim by themselves they will not be aware of the benefits of good technique. Formal classes enable swimmers to develop correct technique in the various strokes and this then allows them to enjoy the water more fully and safely. Good technique makes for stronger safer swimmers which is very important in open water. Children are often more receptive to learning in a formal setting, not only will they progress at a faster rate, they will learn the strokes without developing bad habits within a well-structured, fun atmosphere.

Why armbands when some swim instructors discourage their use?

The Water School is specially designed for teaching swimming with a beginner’s area which is shallow enough for most 5 year olds to stand up. Armbands encourage pupils to take their feet off the bottom and experience buoyancy in the water. When the pupil has learned to submerge their face while exhaling they can be gradually exchanged for floats, woggles or other aids and this will encourage the pupil to swim with less and less support. Some pupils dislike wearing armbands and there is no compulsion to do so but for the majority of people they are a useful learning aid. They also add freedom of movement and encourage adventure.