Swimming outside of lessons
What to get involved with, and why!
Throughout our learn to swim programme, we build up learners’ skills from pre-school right up to stage 7, to make them safe in and around water. This opens up a world of water sports and activities such as competitive swimming, water polo, surfing, open water swimming, kayaking, sailing, water slides and more! Not to mention unlocking the potential to become a lifeguard or swimming teacher later in life.
"We expect our learners to become competent swimmers from stage 7 of the Learn to Swim programme, enabling them to take part in lane swimming gaining the enormous health benefits for body and mind and helping to control school and exam stress." - Jacquelyne Burnett, Area Swim Development Manager
Free Swimming!
Children who take our swimming lessons can swim free of charge in public sessions, including lane swimming once they are capable of swimming multiple lengths.
This makes it even easier for them to master what they’ve been learning, get used to practicing without a teacher, and enjoy the benefits that swimming can bring!
Reasons to swim outside of your swimming lessons
We spoke to one of our Area Swim Development Managers, Jacquelyne Burnett, on why swimming outside of lessons is important, and can lead to a happy and healthy adult life!
The benefits for pre-schoolers and beginners
For our younger swimmers and children that are at the start of their learn-to-swim journey, swimming outside of lessons with family can be a key part in building and maintaining their water confidence. Family swimming sessions also present a great opportunity for bonding time! Most of our centres offer regular family swim sessions in the pool.
Practice makes perfect!
No matter their age or ability, swimming outside the weekly lesson gives learners the chance to work on their skills and develop muscle memory ready to take on the next building block to becoming a great swimmer.
Increasing fitness and cardiovascular health
Swimming different strokes uses all the muscles in the body so whether you swim a gentle breaststroke or fly down the length of the pool, you will get a full body workout. Combining sprints with longer aerobic swims uses your body’s different energy systems. Plus, exercising in water makes your body work harder so 30 minutes in a pool is worth 45 minutes of similar activity on land. Because you are horizontal when you swim, gravity has less impact, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. By maintaining good blood flow, you’re helping to keep your arteries and veins healthy.
Swimming beyond stage 7
For older children and teenagers though to young adults, regular swimming will boost brain function and help maintain a positive mental outlook, whilst the breath control required for swimming helps relieve stress. Beyond stage 7, children can get stuck into our aquatic activities including our Rookie Lifeguard course, Aquatic fun and fitness, diving and water polo! Speak to your local centre for details.
Sessions to get involved with
There are many swimming sessions to choose from at our centres, the length of each can vary but is usually around an hour long, and you'll have the flexibility to come and go when you like within your booked slot. Here are a few to consider:
Our relaxed Just Swim and Family Swim sessions are ideal for swimming for fun, whether that's with friends or family!
For more confident swimmers, that can swim lengths, a Lane Swimming session is a great choice for practicing technique in the pool!
There are plenty of options after your child completes stage 7, too. Some of our centres offer Rookie Lifeguard, Aquatic Fun and Fitness, and Water Polo lessons! You can speak to your local centre to learn more about these sessions.