Swimming Lessons – Swimlincs learn to swim programme

Our swimming lesson waiting lists are temporarily closed. We will advertise on this page and our Facebook pages when we re-open our waiting lists.

Children can be placed on the Swimlincs Minis waiting list from birth. The pre-school waiting list from the age of two and a half and the Swimlincs after school programme from the age of four years.

To enrol your child on lessons please complete an online application form.

On receiving the application form, your child’s name will be added to the waiting list and you will be contacted by the centre when a place becomes available. Places will be offered a maximum of three times before your child’s details are removed from the waiting list.

We offer two payment options:

Academy member

Monthly payment via direct debit – £20.50 (first child)

• one Swimlincs lesson per week for 50 weeks of the year
• automatic re-enrolment (terms and conditions apply)
• price for life (terms and conditions apply)
• the card holder is entitled to use any of the council’s pools free during casual swim sessions
• sibling discount available

Casual pay-as-you-go member

Payment in advance for a 10 week block – £50

•  one Swimlincs lesson per week for 10 weeks

Top-up payments for the next 10 weeks must be received before the start of the last lesson to secure your child’s place. Failure to top-up during this time will result in your child automatically losing their place in the lessons.

Our aim is to provide the best ‘learn to swim’ experience for your child and for you as the ones bringing them to the pool. To help us achieve this aim we would be grateful if you would adhere to the following code of conduct.

Swimmers are asked to:

• arrive in good time for the lesson
• when changed, wait quietly in the designated area no more than five minutes before the start of your lesson for the swimming teacher to collect you
• wear suitable swimwear and tie long hair back
• visit the toilet before the start of your lesson
• shower before you enter the pool water
• remove all jewellery
• inform the swimming teacher of any illness or injuries before the start of the lesson
• only enter the pool when told to by your swimming teacher
• not eat or drink fizzy or sugary drinks up to one hour before the start of your lesson
• listen to your swimming teacher and ask if you do not understand their instructions
• always try your best and enjoy your lesson

Parents and guardians are asked to:

• make sure your child arrives in good time for the start of their lesson and is collected promptly after the lesson
• remain in the building at all times if your child is under the age of eight
• not to wait or walk on to poolside
• use lockers provided and not leave personal belongings in the changing cubicles
• not approach the swimming teacher during lessons. If you have a question about your child’s progress please complete a ‘Question and Answer’ form or you can view their progress by accessing our Swimlincs Home Portal
• view your child’s lesson in the designated spectator area and not on poolside or the changing rooms.
• not to bring your child if they feel ill or have been ill in the last 48 hours with diarrhoea, a sickness bug, a contagious disease (for example measles or chicken pox), an ear infection, open wounds, coughs or colds. It is advisable that they do not swim until fully recovered and symptom free

• ensure that your child does not eat or drink at least one hour before their lesson.
• be consistent with attending lessons
• ensure that fees are paid in advance of the start of the lessons
• respect our swimming teachers and share any concerns or complaints with the Health and Fitness Development Manager or Duty Manager immediately.

We thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

Please report to the customer service desk 20 minutes before the start of your child’s first lesson. This will allow us time to set-up your payment plan, answer any questions you may have regarding the lessons, explain who your child’s swimming teacher is and direct you to the changing rooms and waiting area.

Buoyancy aids will be provided for the duration of the lesson if needed and goggles are available to purchase from the customer service desk before the start of your child’s lesson.

The swimming teacher will take a register at the start of each lesson and collect your child from the designated waiting area.

Our swimming lessons run back to back so unfortunately there is no time for you to talk to your child’s swimming teacher during lesson time. If you have a question or would like to discuss your child’s progress we would ask that you complete a ‘Question and Answer’ form. The forms are available next to the Swimlincs notice board in the centre. Your child’s teacher will contact you as soon as possible regarding your question.

Swimlincs Home Portal

For those parents or guardians who have registered for this free service, you will be able to view your child’s progress online using our Swimlincs Home Portal. To access this service we require an email address from you. To register you will need your child’s Swimlincs card number. If you do not have a card number please contact the customer service desk at the centre where your child swims.

Parent handbook

Our parent handbook provides detailed information on our Swimlincs learn to swim programme. It includes the class levels and swim criteria needed to achieve that level, swimming teacher qualifications, child protection policy, payment and refund policy complaints procedures and more.

Swimming lessons for adults are available at The Pods and at Ancholme Leisure Centre. Please contact your preferred venue for more information.

thepods@northlincs.gov.uk
01724 291900

ancholme.leisurecentre@northlincs.gov.uk
01724291900

The NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognised. More than 40,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK every year, and there are currently more than 80,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards.

RLSS UK is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.

The next RLSS NPLQ course will be advertised here when the date is confirmed.

Lifeguard course prerequisite

Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

• Jump / dive into deep water
• Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
• Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water
• Tread water for 30 seconds

Course content

The NPLQ covers all elements of pool rescue techniques, lifeguarding theory, first aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ is in three sections and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.

About the assessment

Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the end of the course. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment.

The assessment is split into three sections:

• Practical pool assessment
• Written multiple choice question paper on all 3 sections
• Practical first aid & CPR assessment

For more information or to book a place on the course please contact the NL Active site you would like to complete the course at on 01724 291900 or speak to the front of house team at a NL Active facility.

Swimming teacher courses

STA Level 2 Award in Swimming Teaching

This qualification aims to produce teachers that can teach up to 12 non swimmers, beginners, improvers or assist in swimming lessons. Find out more about the STA swimming courses online.

Our next STA level 2 award in swimming teaching starts in March.

Prerequisites

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Hold a current STA membership (approx. £40 per year)

Length of course

• 38 hours contact time with a tutor

Course dates

The next course will be advertised here when the dates are confirmed.

Assessment

• Complete a portfolio of questions to the satisfaction of the course tutor including lesson plans and schemes of work.
• Undertake at least 2.5 hours poolside teaching during the course
• External assessment – teach a 30 minute lesson

Cost

• £300

Funding to cover the cost of the course may be available. To discuss funding opportunities please contact Helen Hathway.

For more information and to register your interest email helen.hathway@northlincs.gov.uk