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Swimming Lessons
The health benefits of swimming are enormous. Swimming helps to develop a healthy heart and build strength, stamina and flexibility. It is also great for toning and shaping too whilst also a lifelong core skill. Our swimming lessons follow the Swim England (the national governing body for swimming in England) Learn to Swim progamme and provide an exciting route for babies, toddlers, children and adults to learn to swim and develop a range of swimming skills.
Swimming Lessons for Babies & Children
Kick off your family's swimming adventure with Active Luton, where you'll benefit from exceptional instruction, engaging lessons and excellent value. Whether you're starting with baby classes or progressing to advanced programmes, we offer a pathway that nurtures health, wellbeing and lifelong skills and welcome all ages and abilities.
For more information, complete our online enquiry form or email us at customerservices@activeluton.org.uk.
Adult and Child Discovery Ducklings - From 3 Months Old
Our Swim England-accredited classes for babies are designed for both parent/carer and child to enter the water together. These enjoyable and structured sessions foster a love for swimming and help build essential water skills.
Ducklings - From 3 to 4.5 Years
As toddlers gain confidence, they progress through the Swim England Duckling Awards. Our dedicated teachers guide them through fun and educational stages that develop their water skills and boost their confidence.
Learn to Swim - From 4.5 to 16 Years
Starting from 4.5 years old, children advance through the Swim England ‘Learn to Swim programme. Here’s a look at what they’ll achieve:
- Stage 1: Basic movement skills, water safety, and building confidence.
- Stage 2: Safe water entry, floating, and initial progress in travel and rotation.
- Stage 3: Swimming 10 metres on front and back, plus retrieving objects from underwater.
- Stage 4: Refining kicking techniques and improving buoyancy.
- Stage 5: Treading water, sculling, and mastering the four main strokes.
- Stage 6: Coordinated breathing, water safety, and preparation for exercise.
- Stage 7: Advanced stroke technique over 100 metres and performing a routine of key skill.
What’s next?
Rookie Lifeguard - Ages 8 to 15
Our Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) course, in partnership with Swim England, introduces young swimmers to water safety and lifeguarding skills. Available for ages 8-15 who have reached Level 5, this course includes Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, covering rescue, resuscitation techniques, and essential water safety skills. Sessions are 45 minutes long. For more information, visit the Rookie Lifeguard programme.
Competitive Swim Development - Ages 8+
Ideal for swimmers keen on competitive swimming, these sessions offer a glimpse into club-level training. Children can join after completing stages 1-7 or by teacher invitation. Key focus areas include:
- Overall improvement of water skills
- Drills and techniques for all swim strokes
- Development of aerobic endurance
- Training for a competitive environment: clock reading, warm-ups, cool-downs, lane etiquette, starts, turns, and finishes
Swim Coaches from our home clubs Team Luton and Putteridge Swimming clubs may attend sessions to scout potential swimmers for their clubs.
Child Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign my child up to swimming lessons?
To start please fill out the form here and tell us a little about your child’s swimming ability and preferences for venues etc. We will call you back and will do our best to accommodate your requests wherever possible.
Alternatively, you can call in to the centre of your choice and speak to a member of the team who will discuss options with you.
Please note reservations are not possible and bookings can only be made with payment.
What days/times do lessons usually take place?
Swimming lessons generally run Monday to Friday 4pm- 6.30pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm and Sundays 9am-12.30pm. Please note these times are subject to availability for each of the stages.
What is the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme?
Please click here to learn about the programme. Active Luton runs stages 1-7 of the Swim England Prorgamme together with 2 additional continuation stages: Rookie Lifeguard and Competitive Swim Development. See FAQ below ‘What happens when my child has completed stages 1-7’.
How long will it take for my child to pass each stage?
This depends on the learner’s level of experience in the water/swimming. We continually assess each child’s development to ensure children don’t get stuck at one stage for too long.
How can I follow my child’s progress?
Our Parent Portal will allow you to view information on your child's progress and achievements. Get started now by following these steps:
1. Click on Book Online or My Account.
2. If you already have login details, enter them.
3. For all new sign-ups, click on the Sign Up button.
4. Fill in your own information as the parent (not your child's) on the form, then select Log In.
5. Go to the Parent Portal on the left-hand side.
6. Click on Add Existing Contact.
7. Enter your child’s barcode number from their card and click Check.
8. Answer the two questions asked and select Add Participant. Your child should now be attached. If you need to add another child, repeat steps 7 to 9.
9. Click on View Bookings, then click on Sports Courses below the child whose current and historical sports courses you wish to view.
10. Select the sports course from the list you wish to view. This will provide all the information regarding the course.
11. To see the Future Sessions, Attendance, or Competencies linked to the sports course, select the down arrow next to the relevant option to view this information.
12. If all competencies have a status of "Pass", then your child is ready to move up.
What happens when my child has completed stages 1-7?
If you would like your child to continue improving their swimming skills after completing stages 1-7 of the Swim England Learn to Swim Progamme, there are 2 additional continuation stages offered by Active Luton: Rookie Lifeguard and Competitive Swim Development. Rookie Lifeguard is currently run from Inspire: Luton Sports Village and Lewsey Swimming Pool. The course will teach children to explore water safety, how to look after themselves and others in water and includes rescue and resuscitation techniques. Competitive Swim Development gives an insight into competitive club swimming, teaching many of the same techniques learnt from stages 8 –10 including stroke, turns, endurance and stamina.
Swimming Lessons for Adults
It’s never too late to learn to swim! Whether you’re starting from scratch, aiming to refine your technique, or seeking a swim-focused fitness regime, Active Luton is here to guide you every step of the way. Many adults think they’ll never learn to swim, but there’s no time like the present to say, “I will learn!”
Be a Swimmer - Beginners
So you’re ready to take the plunge! Our beginner classes are your gateway to developing a valuable life skill and unlocking a world of improved health and fitness. No more sitting on the sidelines, it's time to get in the water and enjoy it with friends and family. Learn at your own pace in shallow water with plenty of individual support. Your instructor will work closely with you to identify your goals and guide you through essential skills like basic movement, moving forwards and backwards, and building confidence in the water. From here, it's all about discovering how much fun swimming can be!
Be a Better Swimmer - Intermediate
Take your swimming to the next level with our intermediate sessions. These classes offer excellent personal coaching to help you enhance your swimming skills. Whether you’re looking to perfect a specific stroke, improve your technique, or boost your stamina for your favourite sport, we’re here to support you. Learn about breathing techniques, try new strokes, or refine your existing skills, all tailored to help you reach your swimming goals.
Be a Great Swimmer - Advanced
For those who want to push their swimming to new heights, our advanced sessions provide the extra edge you need. Whether you’re training for a triathlon, focusing on distance or sprint races, or simply aiming to swim for pleasure, our team will craft a personalised programme to suit your needs.
Adult lessons: Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do – I’m a beginner?
Whether you want to learn to swim to enjoy leisure time with your family, to enjoy holiday time more, or for your health and fitness, whatever the reason, Active Luton is here to help you. We want to make learning to swim as easy as possible for everyone, so please tell us a little bit about you and where and when you are looking to learn. Please give us a call or drop in to speak to reception at your chosen centre and we will do our best to accommodate your requests wherever possible.
What do I need to do – I’m an Intermediate/Advanced swimmer?
Take a look at the different stages on the Swim England Aquatic Skills Framework (Stages 8-10) and see if these fit your requirements. Then, please drop in to the centre of your choice or call us on the number below to find out more. If you can’t find what you are looking for on the various stages, please do get in touch and we will see if we can help.
What days/times do lessons usually take place?
Swimming lessons usually run Monday to Friday 6pm-8pm and Friday afternoon 1pm-3pm. Please note these times are subject to availability.
How do I sign up to swimming lessons?
To start please fill out the form here and tell us a little about your swimming ability and preferences for venues etc. We will call you back and will do our best to accommodate your requests wherever possible. Alternatively, you can call in to the centre of your choice and speak to a member of the team who will discuss options with you. Please note reservations are not possible and bookings can only be made with payment.
One-to-One Swimming Lessons
Here’s what you need to know.
Scheduling Your Lessons
- Direct Arrangement: Lessons are scheduled directly between you and the instructor. Complete the form below, and when a suitable teacher is available at your requested time, they will get in touch to arrange your first session.
- Availability: Your wait time depends on your and the teacher's availability, so please provide your preferred times in the form.
- Ongoing Booking: After each lesson, coordinate with your instructor to set the date for the next session. You'll need to book and pay for each subsequent lesson at reception.
Booking and Payment
- Advance Booking: Lessons must be booked and paid for in full at least one week in advance. If this deadline isn’t met, we can’t guarantee that the lesson will take place.
- Receipts: Bookings are processed through our computerised system, and you'll receive a receipt. Please check this carefully and contact reception immediately if any details are incorrect.
Important Information
- Lesson Availability: We offer one-to-one lessons for both children and adults, from beginners to advanced swimmers.
- Lesson Areas: Lessons can take place during public swimming sessions without a designated area.
- Instructor Changes: If you need to change your lesson schedule and the instructor can't accommodate this, or if the instructor is no longer available, you’ll need to reapply to be added to the waiting list. We’ll connect you with a new instructor as soon as one is available at your preferred time.
To book or enquire, fill out this form
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