Learn to Swim Programme
Introduction & Aim
Aberdeen City Council is committed to providing swimming tuition to both Adults and Children in Aberdeen's citywide Learn to Swim Scheme.
The swim scheme’s major aim is to teach children to swim safely and provide them with the opportunity to participate in an enjoyable activity which can be pursued at all levels and throughout one’s life.To swim safely children will need to be able to swim on both their backs and fronts showing no fear of submersion in the water. It is also important to emphasise that throughout the programme technique is vital at all stages of the swimmer’s development. Good practice should be taught right from the early stages through to those aspiring to become advanced swimmers.To ensure that both safe swimming and sound techniques are achieved to the highest standards parents and teachers should encourage the children to remain within the programme until all levels have been completed.
General Information
For General Information and a guide various practices regarding:
How the timetable of the blocks work, payment of class fees, cancelled classes, enrolment and the waiting list procedure, new members information, parents or friends that want to spectate, how to gain additional practice, the procedure for receiving Information of Emergency cancellation of classes and the use of Video and Photographic Equipment.
Learn to Swim Programme
Structure
The backbone of the learn to swim programme is the structured progression that is possible for every child. This leads every swimmer from the basic skills of water familiarisation, orientation and propulsion all the way through to water competence, specialisation and technical efficiency. This competence will ensure that your child can take part in many water based activities in the future.
With any swimming programme children will sometimes progress at speed and at other times they make very little headway or even go back a few stages. However, as new activities are introduced and known ones reinforced, the development from one stage to another becomes smooth. It is therefore essential that no stages are missed out of the learning process. This will result in all children demonstrating the specific skills which will allow them to take swimming as far as they desire.
Duration of Classes and Ratio Guidelines
Teacher/Swimmer ratio may change depending on size of teaching pool
| Name of Class (Links to more Info) | Age | Duration of Class | Ratio of Teacher to Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Tadpoles - Syllabus | Adult / Child age 3 - 15 Months | 30 Minutes | N/A |
| *Frogs - Syllabus | Adult / Child age 15 Months - 2 1/2 Years | 30 Minutes | N/A |
| *Ducklings - Syllabus | Adult / Child age 2 1/2 Years - 3 1/2 Years | 30 Minutes | N/A |
| *Otters - Syllabus | Adult / Child age 3 1/2 Years - 5 Years | 30 Minutes | N/A |
| **Sharks - Syllabus | Ages 3 1/2 - School age | 30 Minutes | 6 |
| Aqua 1 / 1a | (School age) | 30 Minutes | 10 |
| Aqua 2 / 2a | (School age) | 30 Minutes | 10 |
| Aqua 3 | (School age) | 30 Minutes | 10 |
| Aqua 4 | (School age) | 45 Minutes | 12 |
| Aqua 5 | (School age) | 45 Minutes | 12 |
* The number of participants permitted at each lesson in the adult and child programme may differ from venue depending on the size of the pool being used. ** Swimmers in the sharks classes must have progressed from the Otters classes
Adults - We have beginners and improvers adults classes available during the day and evening. To register you must complete the application form which is available at the bottom of this page or by contacting the Swimming Co-ordinator on 01224 814567.
Awards
All swimmers will receive a certificate at the end of each block of lessons in the form of:
- An Achievement Certificate will be awarded when a swimmer progresses from level to another. This certificate will detail on the reverse which skills your child has achieved and which skills they still have to achieve.
- An Attendance Certificate will be awarded when a swimmer remains in the same class for an additional block in order to gain the skills necessary to progress to the next level. As with the achievement certificate the skills achieved will be highlighted.
Life after Aqua 5
Once you have reached the standard required for the completion of Aqua 5, you will now have the skills necessary to embark on lots of other water based activities in the future and Your Life after Aqua 5 can continue. Check out more information on the link regarding the activities listed below
- Rookie Lifesaving
- Linksfield Swimming Club
- Diving
- Water Polo
- Competitive Swimming Clubs
Health & Safety Around Swimming Pools and Child Protection Policy
Contact Telephone Information
Application Form
Swimming Lessons Application form
Related information
Sports and Recreation
Price List for Use of Sports Facility
Access to Leisure (Help Line)
Creche Facilities in Sports Centres
Sport & Recreation Events/Bookings (Helpline)
Citywide Fitness Class Timetable
Parent & Toddler Activities
Sports Development
Sports Enquiries
Sports Memberships
