Swimming Lessons

At Active NL we run an extensive Learn to Swim programme for all swimming abilities across many of our venues enabling participants to gain basic aquatic skills, coordination, stroke techniques and elementary skills as well as gaining confidence in the water.

Book or Manage Your Sessions

As part of an exciting update to our booking system, customers are now able to check availability within our Learn to Swim programme and arrange bookings at the click of a button. Please click on the link below to get started or log in to view any existing classes or progress.

In the event that you are unable to book online please contact our friendly Membership Team via the Live Chat function on our website or app, via email to ActiveLessons@northlan.gov.uk or by calling 01236 341969. If the level you are interested in is not currently available, please check back with us again soon.

Is your child over the age of 5 and participated in swimming lessons previously? Please email your child’s full name, DOB, preferred venue and a contact telephone number to ActiveLessons@northlan.gov.uk and we would be happy to arrange a swimming assessment to find out the most suitable level for your child.

Included in your monthly fee

If you take out our standard sport specific membership, you will also receive the following great benefits:

*Preschool levels and up only. For Early Years, the above can be added for an additional £4.00 per month by calling our Membership Team on 01236 341969. Not available for Adult Lessons.

Lessons Available

Adult & Baby Swimming Lessons ( 0 - 15 months)

The aim of these classes is to introduce the adult and baby to a swimming environment and develop the confidence and skills of the adult to ensure the safe and effective handling of the baby in the water.

Objectives:

• The adult will have the range of skills and knowledge necessary to handle their baby confidently and safely in water
• The 'quality time' aspect will be a key element of the adult and baby aquatic experience
• Adult and baby will have experienced basic body positions and a range of movements in water
• Adult and baby will have developed water confidence and enjoyment in the aquatic environment

Adult & Toddler (15 months – 2.5 years)

To encourage independent movement and develop the water confidence and core aquatic skill of the toddler through structured play.

Objectives:

• The toddler will have been involved in interaction with other adults and children
• The toddler will have experienced independent movement with buoyancy aids
• The toddler will have developed some basic core aquatic skills through structured play focusing on enjoyment, fun and self-discovery
• The toddler will have developed greater water confidence

Adult & Child Swimming Lessons (2.5 - 3.5 years)

The aim of these classes is to further develop the core aquatic skills through structured play and develop the independence necessary for the next level (without an adult in the water).

Objectives:

• The child will demonstrate independent movement and a range of core aquatic skills
• The child will have developed confident submersion and aquatic breathing
• The child will have been involved in interaction with other adults and children
• The child will become more attentive to the teacher’s instruction and less reliant on adult support in preparation for the next level

Pre-School Swimming Lessons (3.5 - 5 years)

The aim is to become water confident and develop core aquatic skills (without adult assistance but with buoyancy aids as required).

Objectives:

Swim Skills (5+years)

Swim Skills 1 

To further develop water confidence and develop core aquatic skills without aids.

Objectives:

• Develop confidence and ability to perform a wide range of core aquatic skills without buoyancy aids
• Develop the basic technique of the 4 strokes
• Introduce the basic technique of sculling
• Develop balance and buoyancy through a variety of activities

Swim Skills 2

To increase the competency of the core aquatic skills and develop basic stroke technique.

Objectives:

• Introduce and progress new core aquatic skills
• Develop stroke technique to include all 4 strokes
• Introduction to diving (pool permitting)
• Develop awareness and feel for the water through a variety of core aquatic skills

Swim Skills 3

Introduce more advanced stroke technique and achieve Triple S standard.

Objectives:

• Further develop competency in all four strokes
• Development of Diving
• Further develop Butterfly and Breaststroke aiming to achieve legal technique

Swim Skills 4

To improve the quality of stroke technique, introduce multi-aquatic skills/disciplines and basic lifesaving skills.

Objectives:

• To demonstrate competent technique in all four strokes
• Introduce lifesaving skills and basic aquatic discipline skills
• To provide basic skills to enable progression into all aquatic disciplines including life-saving

Adults 18 years +

To introduce the adult to water confidence, relaxation and an introduction into core aquatic skills. Development of stroke technique and breathing.

Club Ready

Club Ready is the final stage of the National Learn to Swim programme when swimmers will have mastered all of the four main strokes and be ready to further develop in a club environment.

Aim: To improve and maintain stroke technique over distance and develop basic training and race skills producing a swimmer who is Club Ready

Objectives:

• Advance swimming stamina for all four strokes whilst maintaining technique
• Improve efficiency in all four strokes
• To develop turn technique for all four strokes
• Knowledge and understanding of club training practices

What information can I access on HomePortal?

• When the member is ready to progress to a different class/Level.
• The member's current competencies and stage progress percentage.
• A history of all the classes the member has attended.

Adult Swimming Lessons

Our adults programme is offered over 3 levels, starting from beginners for non-swimmers and those new to the water, Intermediate for those wishing to develop more and advanced for those wishing to progress both in terms of distance and technique. All classes run for 45 minutes.

Please use the Venue Finder to locate your nearest Active NL swimming pool and contact them directly for swimming timetables and programmes.