Lessons and Awards

Toddler

This is designed for very young children, each one being accompanied in the water by his own parent, child minder or other adult known to him. The teacher will instruct from the poolside and teach the adult how to assist the child. There is a range of awards specifically for this age range.

Junior Group

Improver children, from approximately age 5 to 12. Swimmers should be able to swim a minimum of 25m and be confident in deep water. The group meets on Saturdays except the last Saturday in any month.

Senior Group

Improver teenagers and young adults from age 13 or from age 11½ if they're good enough! This group meets at the same time and venue as the Junior Group. One teacher for each ability lane.

Adult Group

Improver adults who are confident enough to be able to swim in deep water. The group meets on Thursday evenings between 7:00pm and 8:00pm at the Ashburton Pool.

Private Lessons

Every afternoon of the week after school for school children or adults and two mornings a week for adults and pre-school children, and Saturday afternoons. We can instruct anyone from complete beginners to the more experienced swimmer preferring individual tuition. All private lessons are on a one to one basis, with some one to two lessons where appropriate.

AWARDS

Progression and achievement

All pupils follow the stroke regulations as laid down by the Amateur Swimming Association, the largest of the Swim Associations in Great Britain, and work through their awards scheme. Very young children start with Duckling, Grades 1 to 5 and all pupils progress through Water Skills, Grades 1 to 6 and National Swim Awards, Levels 1 to 12. There is also a Skills scheme for adults only, with five levels. In addition to these, pupils progress through distance awards from Puffin (5 metres with a buoyancy aid) and 5 metres unaided, to 2000 metres and beyond where applicable and for the adults, as well as Adult Distance, there is Swim-fit which is accumulative for up to 100 miles and beyond. Running concurrently, when applicable, pupils work for Personal Survival, Water Polo, Preliminary Diving Skills and ultimately aim for the Complete Swimmer which is based on a set collection of awards. More advanced swimmers are encouraged to achieve speed and stroke proficiency awards. Teenage swimmers wishing to further their skills towards organisation and teaching are encouraged to help with younger children where applicable to gain experience.

If you would like further information on the ASA Awards Scheme, please visit the Amateur Swimming Association web site at www.asa-awards.co.uk.