Swimming is not only a sport but will equip your child with a crucial survival skill. There are swimming facilities throughout the UK, provided by local authorities, schools and private clubs.

CLASSES FOR BABIES

Swimming lessons for babies aged as young as six weeks are on offer throughout the UK. Babies instinctively hold their breath under the water. Teaching your child to swim as a baby can improve his or her coordination, confidence and water safety. However, it is preferable for them to use special pools heated to the correct temperature (at least 29c).

Around the Country

Little Dippers, based in Sussex and London, offers water safety lessons for newborns to babies of 11 months. They also offer three-day group courses for parents and babies who do not live in the area. Contact Lauren Heston at Little Dippers for more details on .

Aquababies is a London-wide organisation providing lessons for children aged four and under.

Aquatots is based in Worcester. For more information, contact Fiona on .

FIND YOUR LOCAL SWIMMING POOL

Local Authorities have a list of all the swimming pools in your area. ClubSwim has a directory of swimming pools throughout the UK. It is not complete but may help you find one in your area.

SWIMMING LESSONS

Look for ASA qualified teachers and a structured programme, which shows progression. The ASA has a National Plan for Teaching, which is being adopted by many local authorities. Most local authority swimming pools offer individual and group lessons with qualified Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) teachers. Prices vary so contact your local pool, or enquire with your local authority. Local authorities may charge more than a local club (because the club is usually using volunteer staff), but it will depend upon where you are in the country. Lessons tend to be bought in blocks as a series of lessons. 

SWIMMING AWARDS

As part of the National Plan for Teaching Swimming the ASA have an extensive Awards Scheme for beginners learning to swim through to advanced swimmers. The youngest children (from four to six months and beyond) can gain the Duckling awards, however, the ASA advise that your child has completed their immunisation programme before they begin these awards. The Puffin and Rainbow Awards are the collection of distance badges ranging from five metres through to 5,000 metres. Other awards on the scheme include Personal Survival, Competitive, Water Polo, Diving and Synchro swimming awards. Scottish Swim Awards have details of the various swimming awards your child can achieve.

SWIMMING CLUBS

Your local pool will usually know the contact details for the local swimming club. The ASA provide a list of swimming clubs throughout the UK in alphabetical order. The clubs will provide details of membership, coaching, training, competitions and any activities they organise. Most clubs charge a joining fee to cover the use of the pool by the club. ClubSwim also provides a directory listing of swimming clubs in the UK.

COMPETITIONS

There are competitions within clubs and regional competitions. Entry fees are usually about Ј2-3 and cover the costs of pool hire, administration and officials. The ASA produce a leaflet entitled ‘Welcome to the ASA’ which is designed to help young swimmers and their parents understand some of the aspects of the competitive side of swimming and motivate them to succeed.

To obtain this leaflet, please contact:
ASA/ISTC Membership Services Dept.
41 Granby Street
Loughborough
LE11 3DU
Telephone:
E-mail: customerservices

LIFE SAVING

The Royal Life Saving Society has a range of activities and courses that enable children to learn invaluable life saving skills. Schools and Swimming Pools offer basic life-saving lessons as well. The ASA have a Personal Survival award whilst the National Curriculum on Water Skills and Safety states that by the end of Key Stage 2, pupils should have been taught the principles of water safety and survival.

LONG DISTANCE SWIMMING

The British Long Distance Swimming Association (BLDSA) organise long distance swimming events from May to September each year. The distances can range from three to 22 miles in both thesea and lakes so it is really only for very keen and competent swimmers. Children aged 12 and over can compete.

WATER POLO

The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), the national governing body for water polo, has information about 'mini-polo!' and how you can get children involved.

National Water Polo League also provides more information about water polo in the UK, the clubs and the contact details. 

OTHER POOL SPORTS

The ASA are also the governing body for diving and synchronized swimming. For more information about how to get involved in either of these sports contact the sports national development officers at ASA or your local swimming club.

SWIMMING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

The National Association of Swimming Clubs for the Disabled will help you find your local club. Contact them on .

Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy teaches people of all ages and all impairments to be water-safe, learn to swim and become independent in the water. They provide specialist qualifications and train their own instructors. There are Halliwick clubs located throughout Britain. For more details contact them on .

Children with all types of impairments can participate in swimming competitions. The International Paralympic Committee has details about swimming at Paralympic levels, including the classification system and the current world records. 

Disabled children can also play water polo. Deaf athletes compete in water polo in national and international competitions.

Further information is also available from:

Ability Online

English Sports Association for People with Learning Disability

The Association of British Swimmers with Physical Handicap can be contacted on .

The National Coordinating Committee on Swimming for People with Disabilities can be contacted on .

The contact details for the charities and organisations dedicated to sport for disabled children throughout the UK can be found in our section on Leisure for Disabled Children.

POOL PARTIES

Some leisure centres hire out their pool for pool parties. Contact your local leisure centre for more information.

ORGANISATIONS

FINA
Federation Internationale de Natation is the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming.

Amateur Swimming Association
The ASA is the national governing body for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo. The history of the ASA can be found on its website.

Scottish Amateur Swimming Association
Welsh Amateur Swimming Association
British Long Distance Swimming Association
Royal Life Saving Society

For more information about what’s going on in your area, visit your Local Authority’s website. It can provide details on activities, attractions and services available to you and your family.