FAQ - Swimming Lessons Print

The following information is not in a question and answer format.  However the information below is useful for parents and carers of children who are either attending, or about to attend swimming lessons. The information is designed so that your child will be prepared and be able to get the best out of our lesson programme.

When booking your child into lessons, it is important that you select the correct group suited to their ability - see the guide to groups below:

Adult & Child

  • Adult & Child LessonsAdult & Child (3 - 10 months, 10 - 18 months & 18mths - 3 years. No experience required.  Please ensure your child comes along to correct class depending on their age.  Please ensure your baby has had their immunisations.

Pre-School Lessons

  • Pre-School Level 1 - No experience required.  It is helpful if your child has been in a pool environment before their first lesson.
  • Pre-School Level 2 - Must have completed level 1
  • Pre-School Level 3 - Must have completed level 2

School Age Lessons

  • LEVEL 1 - No experienced required. Introduces the young non swimmer to the water environment.
  • LEVEL 2 - The underwater environment and submerging is introduced while building on confidence in the water.
  • LEVEL 3 - Early swimming stroke technique and floating skills are introduced.
  • LEVEL 4 - Swimming strokes are taken further along with building on spatial awareness and performing tasks upside down.
  • LEVEL 5 - Basics of tumbling and streamlining their movement through the water, and kicking for a set distance, is covered.
  • LEVEL 6 - Undulation and sculling techniques along with motor skill patterns are developed.
  • LEVEL 7 - Practice of endurance swimming and personal water safety skills.
  • LEVEL 8 - Rhythm and stroke technique providing skills to pursue any activity in aquatics.

Further Parent Guidelines

Each class lasts 30 minutes and they amount of children per group will vary from venue to venue.  We provide designated teachers for each group to ensure continuity with lessons. 

Anyone on a waiting list will be advised when a space becomes available.

Before the class we advise that you bring your child along to the pool a few times before they start their lesson to get them comfortable with the layout of the building.

Once your child’s lesson is booked, try to come along 5 minutes before the class starts and have them waiting ready at the pool shower area, so that the teacher can call them when ready.

You must let your child’s teacher know of any conditions that may affect your child’s performance during the lesson (this information will be kept confidential).

If your child has been unwell or is suffering from a stomach upset we advise you not to bring your child along for their lesson.

Here is a list of things your child should do before their lesson:

  1. Go to the toilet
  2. Blow their nose
  3. Tie back long hair
  4. Make sure they have a shower
  5. Cover all cuts/grazes etc with a plaster
  6. Bring along any relevant medication, if your child suffers  from asthma.
  7. Wear a verrucca sock if they have a verrucca or any other foot infection.

Lesson Information

The lesson programme is taught using the Scottish Swimming Award Scheme.  We deliver the Scottish Swimming syllabus at all Live Active Leisure pools in Perth & Kinross.  The programme offers children from pre-school age the opportunity to learn to swim in a fun and safe environment, while steadily progressing through the groups.  The Learn to Swim programme takes children through exciting progressive and carefully monitoried stages.  Starting with the "FUNdamentals"of learning to swim for babies of 6 months and upwards.

Swimming lessons are 10 week blocks and run for 50 weeks of the year.  Payment is required up front.  Please note that payment week is generally always on week 9 of the block, however you are best to check this at the venue you're attending.  Payment must be made during this week or customers may lose their space.

Equipment

Please make sure your child wears appropriate swimming wear.  For example, swimming costume, trunks or shorts (not baggy shorts).  If your child is wearing goggles make sure they fit and stay on for the whole lesson. Make sure all clothing and valuables are secured in a locker.

Supervision

Remain in the building at all times throughout your child’s lesson in case a member of staff needs to contact you.  Parents should wait at the end of the shower area to collect their child after the lesson.