SWIMMING LESSON PROGRAMME

Swimming lessons for children are available at the six swimming pools within Caerphilly county borough. Please note that occasionally some centres may not offer the full programme, please enquire at your local Leisure Centre for more information. Courses can be undertaken more than once in order that each individual attains the skill level and confidence required to progress to the next level.

In addition to the swimming lesson programme, a wide range of crash courses and pool activities are on offer during the school holidays.

For additional information contact The Swimming Development Officer on
01443 863237.

Leisure centres with swimming facilities

• Bedwas leisure centre - 029 2085 2538
• Caerphilly leisure centre - 029 2085 1845
• Cefn Fforest leisure centre - 01443 830567
• Heolddu leisure centre - 01443 828950
• Newbridge leisure centre - 01495 248100
• Risca leisure centre - 01633 600940

What should my baby/child wear?

All children should wear appropriate swimwear i.e. trunks and costumes, clothing such as long shorts are not allowed. Children are asked to tie long hair back and take off any jewellery. For hygiene reasons children should shower before entering the pool.

If your child is not yet out of nappies, swim nappies must be worn. Conventional nappies become water logged and can weigh your child down. They can also be a potential hygiene problem as they are not able to contain small accidents. Waterproof nappies can be washed and re-used, and are available to buy at all centres - ask at reception.

Please note: You should not bring your child to these sessions until they have had their full set of immunisations. If you have decided not to have your child immunised, you should discuss bringing your baby swimming with your health visitor.

Children with disabilities

All children are invited and encouraged to take part in the swimming lessons provided through the learn to swim programme. However, for children who have particular needs, specific lessons and clubs are available.

For further information please contact Paul Taylor (Disability Sports Development Officer) on 01443 863225 or email taylop1@caerphilly.gov.uk

Parent & child classes

Aqua babes (3 - 18 months)
Babies unhappy at bath times? Do you have your own fear of water and do not want your child to develop a similar fear? Take your child to one of our Parent & Child classes, and give them a love of water. Your child will be introduced to water through songs and games in a warm and friendly environment.

Aqua Tots (18 - 36 months)
Now your toddler is more independent and eager to learn, give them the added confidence of being able to swim. They will learn the basics of floating, submerging and swimming on their front and back.

Ducklings Awards
This award scheme is designed to introduce very young children to the pleasures of being in a water environment. Thes Ducklings awards have been specifically developed to support the National Plan for Teaching Swimming Foundation Level.

Tiddlers (3 - 5 years)
An introduction for pre National Plan children to gain independence in the pool environment. Children will gain basic water confidence and develop new skills including blowing bubbles, supervised entry into the pool, use of floatation equipment and basic movement of arms & legs. These classes will be working to the Duckling 1 & 2 Awards.

Turtles (3 - 5 years)
Children will develop and improve their swim skills already learnt in Tiddlers and build confidence through activities including supervised jumping into the pool, floatation on front & back, travelling 5 metres with support, complete submersion, push & glide and correct exit of pool. These classes are designed for children who have already achieved Duckling Awards 1 & 2. They will be working towards Duckling 3, 4 & 5 Awards.

ASA National Plan for teaching swimming (5 years and over)

Non Swimmers - to achieve ASA level 1
This is the first introduction to ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming awards that are based on sound skill and stroke development techniques. Children will be introduced to the water and encouraged to gain water confidence by moving around freely, submerging and opening eyes, floating as well as using arms and legs to achieve basic swim movements.

Beginners 1 - to achieve ASA level 2
Children will gain further water confidence and be encouraged to improve their basic skills and swimming strokes, leading to independent swimming (on their front and back without aids) to 5 metres or over.

Beginners 2 - to achieve ASA levels 3 and 4
Children will learn water breathing techniques and improve their skills and strokes, leading to independent swimming (on their front and back without aids) to 10 metres or over. Children will also learn new methods of propulsion in water.

Improvers 1 - to achieve ASA levels 5 and 6
Children will focus on building confidence in propulsion and will learn a wide range of aquatic skills such as streamlining, water safety, sculling, treading water, swimming underwater and stroke / breathing. These skills will lay the foundation for future activities such as lifesaving and water polo. Children will swim 10 metres using frontcrawl showing regular breathing, swim 10 metres using both backstroke and breaststroke showing basic technique.

Improvers 2 - to achieve ASA levels 7 and 8
Children will improve their basic swimming and breathing techniques in frontcrawl, backstroke and breaststroke to a distance of 25 metres. Children will be introduced to the butterfly to a distance of 10 metres. Turns and basic diving skills will be introduced during the lesson.

Advanced 1 - to achieve ASA levels 9 and 10
Children will be able to swim a minimum of 150 metres, demonstrating efficient strokes. Children will also develop their swimming stamina as well as learn new skills in diving and water polo. This level provides children with the opportunity to develop awareness and skill in water safety and survival swimming.

Advanced 2 - to achieve ASA levels 11 and 12
Children will further develop all the main swimming strokes and will be introduced to basic swimming endurance and speed skills leading to the Pre-Competition levels 1 and 2.

Pre-Competition - levels 1 and 2
Children can continue their swimming development through leisure centre based swimming clubs. Children will have the opportunity to practise and achieve awards in activities such as diving, water polo, lifesaving and competitive swimming.