SWIMMING LESSONS
At Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool we run a ‘Learn to Swim’ scheme, based on the scheme devised by the S.T.A. (Swimming Teachers Association).
The scheme incorporates elements of water safety knowledge, life saving and survival as well as swimming.
Children from the age of 3 can take part in lessons which take place after school during term time. Lessons last ½ an hour, apart from the two groups for the more proficient swimmers who have a 45 minute lesson.
Progression through the learn to swim scheme.
Baby Otters. Children must be at least three years old and if they don’t yet touch the pool bottom, they are able to wear arm bands. If parents wish, they or another familiar adult can accompany their child in the water. Aims to develop water confidence and introduce the basic pre-swimming skills through play and group activities.
Beginner 1. Children must be able to stand on the bottom of the pool and be prepared to be taught without arm bands and without an accompanying adult. Aims to teach the basic skills required in order for the child to learn to swim.
Beginner 2. Children must be able to swim 2 or 3 strokes on their front and back.
Aims to develop the strokes of front and back crawl and introduce breast stroke. Breathing techniques are introduced here. Beginners complete the Octopus series of awards.
Intermediate 1. Children will be able to swim 2 recognisable strokes well and be able to attempt a third. Children entering this class must be able to swim a full width of the pool and demonstrate that they are able to breathe on the way across.
Aims to develop breathing and improve the skills already learnt. Breast stroke will be developed and the basics of dolphin kick/butterfly introduced.
Intermediate 2. Children must be able to demonstrate that they can swim front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke with good technique. Aims to develop style, stamina and butterfly. Intermediates will complete the Goldfish/Angelfish series of awards.
Improvers 1. Children will be able to maintain good technique whilst swimming greater distances and will show a stylish stroke. Aims to introduce aspects of competitive swimming, such as starts, touches and turns.
Improvers 2. Children will demonstrate an excellent level of skill and be capable of attempting drills of greater complexity. Aims to develop stamina over significant distances in a combination of strokes. Lifesaving and survival techniques will be taught. Improvers complete the Shark series of awards.
Advanced. Based on the Endeavour series of awards which incorporate developing all aspects of swimming, first aid, lifesaving and survival. Children will already have completed the other awards in the scheme and may well be thinking of joining the swimming and or lifesaving clubs.
Our teachers aim to encourage a life long enjoyment of and enthusiasm for swimming.