MACPool's New Learn to Swim Program
We have made some changes
Our new framework has been condensed to allow a wider range of progression over each main block of lessons, and more option for swimmers once they’ve completed Core Skills!
Core Skills
Previously starting at level 1 and proceeding on to level 6, Core Skills will consist of 3 different stages where the goal is to develop a strong foundational swimming ability. As these stages are larger and cover more ground, progression through them may be more gradual but the end result will be a swimmer confident in deep water with a good swimming ability!
Once swimmers have completed Core Skills, they’ll have the option of progressing on to one of our two different
branches:
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Branch 1: Club progression
Club progression starts with our Advanced Swim Skills stage, providing swimmers with the skills and technique needed to proceed into one of our Dolphins club squads. For the swimmer who wants to develop their technique and continue breaking personal best times, club progression will set them up to the challenge!
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Branch 2: Riptides
Broken into three different stages of difficulty called Tide, Torrent and Tsunami, Riptides will focus more on team skills than competitive swimming. A variety of aquatic activities will benefit from participation, including open water sports and water polo. Swimmer strength, stamina and teamwork will continue to be developed through this program alongside introducing a range of survival and rescue skills!
Younger Years
Our upcoming pre-school lessons will include Adult & Baby, Adult & Toddler and Adult & Child stages. These will provide introductory confidence for both parents and young swimmers, giving even the youngest of swimmers a fantastic introduction to the world of swimming! These lessons, along with our Junior Core Skills (for children from the age of 4), will serve to pave the way into the core stages.
Also, stay tuned for our future Aquanatal class, which will equip future parents with gentle aquatic exercise and confidence!
Adult Lessons
We are also planning to provide a variety of led sessions for adults in the future, including Basic Water Confidence for beginners and Stroke Development for those wanting to improve on or learn a particular swimming stroke!
Finally, look out for our new SwimFit Bootcamp, a led session intended to really work the fitness of those already confident in the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
We believe that the earlier a child is introduced to the aquatic environment, the better! For our Preschool programme your child can start at any age, however to begin entering lessons unattended by a parent, children must be 4 years old.
Can I book my child into lessons at any time?
All of our Learn to Swim classes are provided in blocks, generally 12 weeks in length for children’s lessons. Children can be booked into a block prior to it commencing, but cannot begin lessons half way through a block.
How will I know which stage to book my child into?
Before booking your child into lessons, we will arrange a pre-assessment with an instructor to ensure they will be placed into the correct stage for their ability. Please ask at reception on your next visit or by calling us on 01546 606676 and we can arrange a time and day that suits you.
How long will a pre-assessment take?
The length of time a pre-assessment takes will vary based on your child’s swimming ability. In the early stages, a pre-assessment can take as little as 5 or 10 minutes, whilst at a more advanced level this could take 15 or 20 minutes. We do ask that for the duration of your child’s pre-assessment, you remain in the building so that the instructor can discuss the pre-assessment with you as soon as it is finished.
How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
The time it takes each child to learn will vary, as children can find some skills easier to learn than others. It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s perfectly normal for children to plateau at certain stages as they develop their swimming skills and even to regress following circumstances such as a break from lessons.
Learn to Swim News & Tips
LTS August 2022 Booking Information
With the summer holidays soon coming to a close, bookings will soon open for our first 12-week block of the upcoming school year. Payment for this block can be done in one of two ways: One up front payment for the 12-week block (£84.00 for Core Skills/ £108 for Advanced Swim Skills). Or If you are planning to pay for all 3 x 12-week blocks, a Direct Debit can be set up for 12 monthly payments (of £21.00 for Core Skills/ £27.00 for Advanced Swim Skills & Dolphins) starting on the 1st...
Learn To Swim Assessments
If your child is new to our Learn to Swim Scheme they will need an assessment, so we know which level to enter them at. Assessments will generally take 5 or 10 minutes. Please ensure your child arrives with appropriate swimwear and goggles, with long hair tied back. Booking forms will need to be filled in, these can be downloaded from HERE, printed out and filled in prior to the assessment, or copies will be provided at reception.
Swim Teacher Training
We don't just throw our staff in at the deep end, they go through continuous professional development, training and exams. This sometimes requires public participation.
Water Safety Scotland
Water Safety Scotland, Education Scotland and partner agencies are rolling out NEW, FREE educational materials to help build valuable lifesaving knowledge, skills and understanding amongst the next generation. The next resource suitable for ages 14+ launches today! The free-to-download resource features engaging activities that prompt young people to think critically about the risks they take and provides clear guidance on what to do in the event of an emergency. The materials have been...
Importance of Learning to Swim as a Child
The ability to be able to swim is incredibly vital skill to possess, especially in the very rural/coastal area that we live in. It is one of the few sports which could save your life. In addition, being taught how to swim will help develop your child’s confidence as well as their swimming ability. Finding a hobby that your child will fall in love with can be challenging in such a secluded spot however swimming could be one of the most beneficial choices that are attainable on this area....
Terms & Conditions
- Lessons will generally be delivered over 3 x 13-week blocks throughout the academic year, unless stated otherwise. Younger Years & Core Skills lessons will run for 30 minutes. Both Club Progression and Riptides lessons will run for 1 hour. Each class will have its own designated teacher(s) scheduled per block; substitute teachers may fill in at short notice.
- Lesson fees are non-refundable where the swimmer has either missed lessons or decided to withdraw from the scheme altogether.
- Refunds will only be given for serious health issues or illness where lessons will be missed for more than 3 consecutive weeks, and only if the absence is supported by a healthcare provider. Forms for this purpose can be collected from the reception.
- If your child is unwell, we recommend that you do not bring them to their swimming lesson. If your child has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting, they should not be brought to lessons as it is contagious. Please wait until at least a week after it has cleared up to return.
- Any planned absences should be brought to the attention of MACPool as soon as possible, prior to the start of that week’s lessons.
- The lesson etiquette & guidelines should be adhered to for every lesson, along with the appropriate swimwear listed above. Any queries should be addressed at reception prior to the start of swimming lessons, to avoid risk of disappointment.
- Assessments will generally take place on weeks 11 and 12 of each block. Progression of swimmers will be at the judgement of the swimming teacher, and swimmers will be moved up to the next level once they have met the criteria required. Specific days/ timeslots may be requested for movements, but cannot be guaranteed.
- A full payment of the block must be given at the time of booking, or a direct debit set up prior to the first lesson. The DD will spread the annual cost of the full 3 blocks over 12 months. For full block payments, free public swimming is valid for the duration of the block. For direct debit, free public swimming is available all year. For free public swimming to be valid all year, the DD must remain in place over the summer months. If the DD is cancelled prior to the 12th payment, an invoice will be raised for any lessons not paid for and free swimming will be cancelled.
Would you like to Learn to Swim?
If we didn’t answer all of your questions, or want an assessment, feel free to drop us a line anytime.