School Age Learn to Swim Programme

Beginner Levels

Swim Skills 1A

Suitable for beginners aged 4.5 – 9 years.

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

Objectives:

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

Older Beginner

Suitable for beginners aged 9 – 15 years.

New to swimming or not yet confident in the water? Our Older Beginner class combines key skills from Swim Skills 1A and 1B in a supportive group designed for older children.

Further Levels

Swim Skills 1B

Ages: 4.5 – 9 years

Aim: For more confident beginners to further develop core aquatic skills without buoyancy aids.

Objectives:

• Build on confidence and ability to perform a wide range of core aquatic skills without aids
• Develop the basic technique of the strokes
• Introducing the basic technique of sculling
• Develop balance and buoyancy through fun activities

Swim Skills 2 (A & B)

Ages: 4.5+

Aim: Increase competency in core aquatic skills and develop basic stroke technique.

Objectives:

• Introduce and progress new core aquatic skills
• Develop stroke technique to include all four strokes
• Introduction to diving, where pool allows
• Develop awareness and feel for the water through a variety of core aquatic skills.

Swim Skills 3

Aim: Introduce more advanced stroke technique and achieve Triple S standard.

Objectives:

• Further develop competency in all four strokes
• Achieve the Triple S award / Scotland’s Safe Swimmer Award
• Development of diving, select pools
• Further developing Butterfly and Breaststroke aiming to achieve legal technique

Swim Skills 4

Aim: Improve quality of stroke technique, introduce basic lifesaving skills, and multi-aquatic disciplines.

Objectives:

• Show competent technique in all strokes
• Introduce lifesaving skills and basic aquatic discipline skills
• Provide the skills to enable progression to all aquatic disciplines including lifesaving.

Club Ready

Aim: Prepare swimmers for club-level training by maintaining technique over distance and developing training and race skills.

Objectives:

• Build endurance and stamina in all strokes
• Sharpen efficiency and turns
• Develop turn technique for all strokes
• Knowledge and understanding of club training practices in a variety of core aquatic skills.

Click here to view our full Learn to Swim Pathway (1MB PDF)

For our other skill levels, please fill in our online form and our coached programme team will be in touch to make sure your child is placed in the right skill group.

Our programme runs weekly lessons at 7 city pools:

• Bridge of Don Swimming Pool
• Bucksburn Swimming Pool
• Get active @ Cults*
• Dyce Swimming Pool
• Get active @ Lochside
• Get active @ Northfield
• Tullos Swimming Pool

*Cults pool also offers both Premium and Standard school age swimming lessons from 4.5 years. Premium classes are smaller group classes with a mentor on poolside.

Our award-winning School Age Learn to Swim Programme is designed to give children a consistent, supportive, and progressive swimming journey.

With lessons running throughout the year, simple monthly payments, and progression built into the programme, your child can keep developing their confidence and skills without needing to restart or rebook at every stage.

• Year-round lessons: Lessons run year round with a two-week break over the Christmas period.
• No Waiting Lists: We have spaces at all beginner levels ready to start when you are.
• Simple monthly payments: Lessons start from £28.00 per month by direct debit.
• No sign-up fee: There is no joining fee when you start lessons.
• Free swimming: Children in the programme can enjoy free swimming during public sessions.
• Seamless progression: Swimmers can progress through all levels, with no extra cost for longer lessons at Club Ready.
• Track progress online: You can track your child’s progress anytime via the lesson portal.
• Your space is secured: There is no need to rebook manually, your space is secured as your child continues through the programme.

Our programme helps children build water confidence, develop core swimming skills, and move through the Scottish Swimming pathway at the right pace for them.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to:

• Developing safe, effective and child friendly environments, based on good practice
• Improving swimmers, teachers, coaches and volunteers
• Encouraging lifelong participation through sustainable swimming development pathways

Whatever your age, learning to swim should be fun! For some fun games you can do with your child in the pool and some essential water safety tips visit ScottishSwimming.com for some amazing Swimming Games.

Contact our Coached Programme Administration Team:

Email: coachedprogrammes@sportaberdeen.co.uk
Call: 01224 047934

Please see our Learn to Swim information page for important information for Learn to Swim members regarding dates, direct debits and terms and conditions.

We want sport and physical activity to be accessible for as many people as possible. Through our Get Active for Less scheme, eligible Aberdeen City residents may be able to access discounted prices for selected activities and programmes.

If your family receives qualifying benefits or allowances, you may be entitled to discounted access to swimming lessons. Visit our Get Active for Less page to check the eligibility criteria, register your details and find out how to apply.