Swimming Lessons
We offer a variety of swimming lessons to suit an array of ages and abilities at Riverside Leisure Centre and St Sidwell's Point.
Please Note: We currently have spaces in our Adult & Child classes on Monday at St Sidwell's Point and Thursday at Riverside Leisure Centre for swimmers from 6 months. Our waiting list is closed for al other stages.
A Junior or Family Membership is required in order to have swimming lessons.
The different classes we offer are:
Adult & Child which is the perfect start to swimming. This class is for babies, toddlers and pre-school children whether they are new to swimming or progressing on their journey. Ideal for gaining water confidence while staying close to their adult, as their grown up goes in the water with them.
(St Sidwell's Point only) Duckling 1 & 2 which is a fun and interactive class for pre-school children aged 3 years to school age, who are new to swimming or working towards Duckling 1 or 2. A games led approach helps swimmers enjoy learning to swim with their grown up in the water with them
(St Sidwell's Point only) Duckling 3 & 4 is for more confident swimmers who have achieved Duckling 2. With their grown-ups in the water with them, pre-school children aged 3 years to school age will develop jumping in, going underwater, floating and travel 10 metres without support. Duckling 3&4 class is a great class to build independence and water confidence in preparation for Stage 1.
(Riverside only) Ducklings is a fun and interactive class for pre-school children aged 3 years to school age, who are new to swimming or working towards their Duckling 1, 2, 3 or 4. A games led approach taking swimmers from Duckling 1, where children start to move by themselves to Duckling 4, where they will be jumping in, going underwater, floating and travel 10 metres without support. Learning to swim with their grown-up in the water with them.
Stage 1 suitable for beginners up to age 7, where they can build water confidence through fun and games, while introducing water safety skills and the basic skills needed to build swimming ability.
Stage 2 suitable for those that have achieved stage 1. Stage 2 starts with the ability to move 5 metres with or without buoyance aids, and will see swimmers develop streamlining, aquatic breathing, floating and travel competently without their feet on the floor, using a recognised leg kick.
Older Beginners is a dedicated class for beginners aged 8 years and above. Stage 1 and 2 criteria are taught in water suitable for their height. Once completed swimmers will move into a Stage 3 class.
Stage 3 is where swimmers will be progressing leg kick and introducing over arm on front and back. Stage 3 builds technique over 5-10 metres. Whilst streamlining develops under water, rotation skills built on and water safety discussed.
Stage 4 sees swimmers perfect their leg kicks for all four strokes and further develop push and glides, while also being introduced to sculling. They will develop an understanding of buoyancy through a range of skills and should swim 10 metres to expected standards.
Stage 5 will see swimmers develop their skills in treading water, learn the correct arm pulls for all four strokes and learn how to do handstands and somersaults. This means they will develop their technique and perform all strokes to the expected standards.
Swim Plus is for swimmers who have passed Stage 4. A fun class introducing swimmers to Diving, Water polo, Swim Fit, Artistic Swimming, Lifesaving and Stage 5 technique.
Stage 6 will enhance skills learnt in the previous stages. Swimmers are taught an efficient technique for all four swim strokes. Skills taught include coordination, breathing and an understanding of water safety.
Stage 7 focuses on fully developing all four swimming strokes, as well as building stamina and improving diving skills. Swimmers should develop a quality stroke technique for up to 100 metres.
Competitive Swimming is a class that continues the swimmers journey after stage 7. Concentrating on the swimming discipline, the focus is on the fundamental sports skill and fun through sets, relays, medleys, distance and timed swims.
If you would like further information, please contact SSP@exeter.gov.uk , riverside@exeter.gov.uk or northbrook@exeter.gov.uk