CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

The classes detailed below are a guideline as to how Salamanda swimming programme runs. Our groups are set up as Stations. The swimmer works towards skills/technique first. Skills awards will be issued first and distance badges issued on completion of skills and good technique. Once all the awards are completed the swimmer is ready for the next Station/Level.

Beginners 1 & 2 (Stations 1 & 2) 

These classes are designed for non-swimmers who cannot swim independently on their front and back. Teachers are in the water for these classes. 

Awards – Ducklings 1 – 4, Learn to swim 1, Salamanda 1, Water- Skills 1 & 5m (front & back)

Improvers 1 (Station 3) 

These classes are for children who can swim confidently on front and back for a minimum of 5m with a streamline body position have attempted 10m and completed all the skills in station 1 awards. They can tread water and fully submerge to retrieve an object off the pool floor. These classes are taught in deep water. Teachers are on poolside to instruct these classes.

Awards – Learn to swim 2, Salamanda 2, Learn to swim 3, Water – Skills 2, 10m & 15m (arms recovering over water on front & back) 

Improvers 2 (Station 4)

These classes are mainly lengths classes for swimmers who have achieved minimum 15m, can confidently swim on front and back with arms recovering over the water. Can swim basic Breaststroke and Butterfly. Can tread water for up to a minute, can fully submerge under the water. Swimmers from other Swim schools might need an assessment to join this group.

Awards – Salamanda 3, Learn to swim 4, Salamanda 4, Water- Skills 3&4, 25m & 50m (Swim England expected stroke standards to be achieved when completing these distance awards)

Intermediates 1 (Station 5/6)

These are all lengths classes and are aimed at swimmers who are developing stamina and speed. Swimmers in these groups will have a sound knowledge of all 4 strokes (front crawl, backcrawl, breaststroke and butterfly) and be able to swim a minimum of 50m of Swim England expected stroke standards including Breaststroke) Be able to complete sets of work continuously. Swimmers from other Swim schools might need an assessment to join these groups.

Awards – Learn to swim 5, Water-Skills 5, 75m, Salamanda 5, 100m, learn to swim 6, Water – skills 6, 200m, Salamanda 6, Bronze Swim Challenge, 400m & Stroke Awards.

Intermediates 2 (Station 7/8+)

These are all lengths classes and are aimed at swimmers who are developing stamina and speed. Swimmers in these groups will have a sound knowledge of all 4 strokes (front crawl, backcrawl, breaststroke and butterfly) and be able to swim a minimum of 400m of Swim England expected stroke standard) Be able to complete sets of work continuously as will be working to a swim program. Swimmers from other Swim schools might need an assessment to join these groups.

Awards – Learn to swim 7,8,9,10, 600m, 800m,1000m,2000m, Silver, Gold & Honours Swim Challenge. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We take children from the age of 4 years old.

No, our classes are small and our teachers teach in the water.

We recommend a one piece swimsuit for girls, and swimming trunks for boys. Our pools are a nice temperature but some children like to wear an additional layer so we suggest a rash vest.

We prefer children starting lessons for the first time not to wear goggles because it’s an important aquatic skill to learn how to deal with water on their faces. Those children that can swim and are being taught technique we do recommend goggles be worn.

Our courses run in blocks of 9 weeks of lessons, enrolment takes place on week 7.  The office send an email on week 6 of the course and it also posted on Facebook & Instagram.

Yes, we are affiliated to Swim England. We also operate our own badge scheme. 

Every child has their own record card, which is completed by their swimming teacher. Children progress through the stations based on their individual ability.

Our lessons take place during February and October half term holidays. There are no lessons during Christmas, Easter and the main summer holidays.