From toddlers to older adults, we aim to improve confidence in and out of the water, with an emphasis on fun and progression.
All our swimming pools offer a dedicated swimming lesson program. Taught by fully qualified Swim Teachers, the program allows children and adults to develop their skills and improve their confidence in a variety of strokes. Once enrolled into our Swim School we guarantee their place in each set of lessons from beginner to advanced.
This activity is currently not operational due to Covid-19. View our FAQ’s on Covid here.
The GetActiveABC Swim School is affiliated with the STA’s (Swimming Teacher’s Association) International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP), young learners will be provided with an exciting learn to swim programme that is supported with a range of badges and certificates.
The Swim School operates at the Orchard Leisure Centre, Banbridge Leisure Centre, Craigavon Leisure Centre, Waves Leisure Complex and Cascades Leisure Complex.
STA Learn to Swim Progression Chart
Starfish (0 – 2 years old)
Build baby and parents confidence, whilst teaching water safety and basic swimming principles, done through songs and games. Allows for bonding time for parent and baby.
Starfish + (2 – 4 years)
Build confidence of toddler and parent, whilst teaching fundamentals of swimming, through songs and games. Allows for bonding time for parent and baby.
Stanley (4.5 – 5 years old)
The first class that allows children to enter the water without their parent & build on their water confidence and swimming skills. This class is based on fun games, whilst learning to swim.
Octopus – aged 5 +
Move confidently by themselves in the water (with/without discs) confident to try without swimming aids + skills
Octopus +
Swim 5 metres front & back, confidently jumping in and swimming with face in the water.
Goldfish
Swim 10 metres front crawl (breathing and arms) & Back crawl arms + skills
Goldfish +
Swim 25 metres front crawl with good breathing technique and arms & Back crawl arms + skills
Angelfish
Swim 50 metres front crawl & Back crawl arms / attempt breaststroke + skills
Angelfish +
Swim 100 metres front crawl & Back crawl + 1 length breaststroke + skills
Shark
Swim 200 metres recognised stroke with good technique + skills
You’re never too old to learn how to swim. For the over 16’s we offer lessons in either a structured program or as part of a group.
Be Water Confident
This is about gaining the confidence to enter the pool safely. It also covers the ability to move around the pool with confidence and to achieve basic core aquatic skills. These are entries, exits, buoyancy, balance and aquatic breathing.
Be a Swimmer
Once you feel confident you will have the necessary skills to start swimming independently over short distances (5 to 10 metres). You won’t need support or swimming aids
Be a Better Swimmer
By this point you’ll be able to swim up to 400 metres independently. You’ll also have the confidence to try other pool activities, such as Aquacise or lane swimming.
Be a Master Swimmer
This is more about advanced swimming skills to enable you to compete.