Children’s Classes – Ability Matrix

Please use our class matrix to help you decide the correct class for your child.

If you require further assistance or are unsure what class is most suitable for your child please contact us using our customer enquiry form..

Ratio 4:1, 30 minutes
For pre-school children aged 3.5 - 5.5 years.
Teacher in water at all times.
It is a well-known fact that children learn best through play. This class is designed to build confidence in the water and lay the foundations through the basic aquatic skills.
All lessons incorporate teaching with SwimFin aids.
Awards: ASA Duckling 1-3 awards.
*Please note that as with our other classes parents are not in the water with their child for this class.*

Ratio 4:1, 30 minutes
For pre-school children aged 3.5-5.5 years.
Teacher in water at all times.
Preschool 2 is for children confident swimming with their face in the water and able to swim 1-2metres unaided on their front and back. They must be able to jump in and submerge unaided.
All lessons incorporate teaching with SwimFin aids.
Awards: ASA Duckling 4 and Stage 1 awards.
*Please note that as with our other classes parents are not in the water with their child for this class.*

Ratio 4:2, 30 minutes
For pre-school children aged 3.5 - 5.5 years with additional support needs requiring a parent in the water with them.
Teacher led with support provided by parents. Will progress to minimal parent support.
This class is designed to build confidence in the water under a safe and child led approach.
All lessons incorporate teaching with SwimFin aids.
Awards: ASA Duckling 1-3 awards.

Ratio 4:1, 30 minutes
For children age 5.5years and over who have little or no previous experience in the water.
Teacher in water at all times.
Similarly created to pre-school, but with older children in mind. The class content is designed to introduce children to the fundamental aquatic skills, but in a way that is suitable to the age group.
Awards: 5m puffin and I Can Awards

Ratio 4:1, 30 minutes
For children age 5.5years and over who are confident swimming with their face in the water and able to swim 1-2metres unaided on their front and back. They must be able to jump in and submerge unaided.
Introduction to basic swim stroke technique
Teacher in water at all times.
Awards: Stage 1

Ratio 5:1, 30 minutes
For children who are able to swim approximately 5m unaided on their front and back using basic swimming technique; and confidently submerge and jump in unaided.
Teacher in water at all times.
Introduction to breaststroke and butterfly swimming strokes and further teaching of frontcrawl and backstroke technique. Children will also continue to develop their core aquatic skills.
Lessons incorporate teaching with SwimFin aids when required to aid children in their technique.
Award: Stage 2, 5m distance and 5m stroke awards.

Ratio 6:1, 30 minutes
For children who are able to swim between 5 and 10m unaided on their front and back using recognisable strokes with basic understanding of breaststroke and butterfly.
Teacher in water or out of water depending on ability of class.
Development of technique in all 4 strokes and introduction to further aquatic skills including somersaults, streamlining and diving.
Awards: Stage 3 and 4, 5m and 10m stroke awards.

Ratio 6:1, 30 minutes
For children who are able to swim between 10m unaided with recognisable technique in all four strokes. Children should have basic diving ability (venue specific) and be confident jumping and submerging in deep water.
Teacher out of water at all times.
Introduction to timing and coordination for all 4 strokes.
Awards: Stage 5 and 6, 15m, 20, 25m distance.

Ratio 8:1, 30 minutes
For children who are able to swim between 25m and 50m demonstrating good technique in frontcrawl, backcrawl and breaststroke, with basic technique in butterfly. Children should be able to dive competently and submerge (depending on pool).
Teacher out of water at all times.
Further progression of technique in all 4 strokes and building stamina and endurance. Introduction to frontcrawl tumble turns.
Awards: Stage 7 and 8, 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 600m and 800m distance.
Children must complete 600m continuous swimming to complete Stage 8.

Ratio 8:1, 45minutes (30 minutes at some venues)
For children who are able to swim 600m demonstrating efficient technique in all four strokes. Children should be able to dive competently, submerge, and have basic understanding of frontcrawl tumble turns.
Teacher out of water at all times.
Refinement of all 4 strokes ensuring correct timing and coordination of breaststroke and butterfly and bilateral breathing in frontcrawl. This class will also focus on the correct starts and turns for all 4 strokes and the introduction of individual medleys.
Award Progression: Stage 9 and 10, 1000m and 1500m.
Children must complete 1500m in 45 minutes swimming to complete Stage 10.

Ratio 1:1, 30 minutes
A class designed to suit each individual child.
Please note we only offer 1:1 lessons for children that are unable to join a class due to additional needs or other specific reason.
Classes are arranged at Big Blue’s discretion.
Please contact us via email for further information.

Ratio 1:8, 60 minutes
SwimFit caters for young swimmers up to 16 years of age who wish to continue their swimming journey after graduating from the ASA National Swim Awards Stage 1-10.
The session is designed to build on skills learned through swimming lessons and take them to the next stage through speed work, distance training, timed sets and a variety of drill and technique practices.

Ratio 1:8, 30 minutes
The RLSS UK designed the unique Rookie Lifeguard programme for 8 – 12 year olds.
It introduces children to water safety, giving them the opportunity to learn valuable and potentially life saving skills.
Also included: first aid emergencies such as bleeding, shock, choking, CPR - taught as an additional Rookie Life-support Award.
Awards: RLSS UK Bronze, Silver, Gold and Life-support awards.