What to expect from your first swimming lesson.

Starting your swimming journey with S4 is exciting, and we want to ensure you're fully prepared and know what to expect.  Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready for your first lesson.


What to Bring


Make sure you come prepared with the following items: a swimming costume, a towel, and clothes to change into after the lesson. These basics are essential for a comfortable and smooth experience. Don’t forget a swim hat and goggles – these are critical for swimming. However, if you don’t have a hat yet, there’s no need to worry. You'll receive an S4 hat in your welcome pack. It’s important to note that all swimmers are required to wear a hat in our pools to prevent hair from getting into the drains and filters, ensuring a clean and safe environment for everyone.


Arrival at the Pool

Upon arrival, head over to your session coordinator, who can be easily identified by their black polo top. The coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring that your experience is seamless. They will direct you to the correct group based on your child’s ability, which you provided during registration. Additionally, they will hand you your welcome pack, which includes the S4 hat and an information booklet about our swimming programme.


Initial Assessment

The initial assessment is a key part of your first lesson, especially for those in higher ability groups. This brief assessment is designed to evaluate how well each stroke can be performed and to ensure that your child is placed in the most appropriate group for their skill level. During the assessment, the instructor will observe various swimming techniques and strokes to gauge proficiency. This process helps tailor the instruction to fit your child’s needs, maximising the effectiveness of each lesson and ensuring that they get the most out of their time in the water.



Ongoing Assessment and Progression

Rest assured that your child will be continuously assessed in every single lesson. Our teachers are very good at identifying progress and ensuring every child is in the correct group. If your child needs to progress to the next group, their teacher will be the first one to flag it up. It is quite apparent from a teacher's point of view if a child is progressing at a faster rate than the rest. Formal swimming assessments take place at the end of every term, usually during the last two to three weeks. Depending on the term, your child will be assessed on the Swim England Skills Award or Distance Awards.



Session Coordinator

Your session coordinator is your go-to person for any questions or concerns. They are there to help with anything you need regarding progression, assessments, and understanding how the S4 programme works. They will be your main point of contact throughout your time with us, providing support and guidance to ensure your child’s swimming journey is smooth and enjoyable.



If you're not starting with S4 or are too far away to attend our sessions, this guide will still be valuable in helping anyone prepare for their first swimming lesson, no matter where it takes place. With this guide, you’re all set for a smooth and enjoyable first lesson. Dive in and have fun!

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