Swim School FAQs

How long does it take to learn to swim?

It doesn’t have to take long to learn the basics, but becoming a swimmer is a life skill and takes time and practice to develop. The Stingrays Swim School method is extremely easy to follow and it aims to prevent the learning of bad habits. The programme is progressive from one stage to the next in preparation for the advanced stages. Becoming a “swimmer” depends on many things; the child’s age and willingness to learn, how often they swim and what results you are looking for. We strongly recommend that swimming lessons be continued until the child is comfortable in any depth of water and can swim and breathe for an extended distance. From there they should continue through the stroke development class (Pre-Competitive) to learn the four competitive strokes proficiently. Remember this is a skill they will use their whole lives so why not teach them to do it well?

Where do disabled children fit into the programme?

Disabled children will be welcomed into our programme. Specifics can be discussed with our Swim School Manager to ensure that the needs of every child are met and developed equally.

If a child is upset while learning to swim, what do I do?

It is quite natural for some children to be upset during swimming lessons; after all, this can be a daunting environment until they:

• Learn to trust the swimming teacher and themselves.
• Learn enough about swimming to give them inner confidence.
• Understand why they are learning. 
• Realise they have no choice...mum and dad will bring them until they master it. 

 As swimming teachers, we will work with you and your child toward these objectives to help them realise the enjoyment of swimming. This is not always easy, especially if any crying causes distress to the parent and seemingly to the child but please trust the process. Discontinuing swim lessons could reinforce this child’s fearfulness of the water, and it may take months or even years to convince the child that this activity is fun.

What if my child is unwell?

What if my child is unwell? Use your best judgment, but if your child has flu-like symptoms such as a fever, vomiting or has stomach or digestion problems, do not bring them to the pool. 

If your child has a long-term illness or injury which will prevent them from attending swimming lessons, please contact the Swim School Manager – [email protected] 

Please also ensure that you declare all relevant medical conditions on your club registration form through Swim Club Manager. This enables us to cater for your child in the best way possible.

What do I need to bring to swimming lessons?

• Swimming costume/trunks – girls costumes and boys trunks or jammers, please do not wear board short or baggy clothing as this will hamper a child’s movement in the water making it harder to learn. 
• Goggles – well fitted goggles are essential and make the learning experience for children a lot easier and more comfortable. Cheap poorly fitted goggles just allow water in and steam up causing children to constantly stop. We recommend Aqua Sphere goggles which are made of silicone providing a comfortable seal around the eyes; they are durable and good quality goggles. 
• Towel

Please make sure you arrive promptly (ideally 10 minutes before class is due to start) so you have time to change and be ready for the start of the class. 

How do I book swimming lessons?

Please contact the Swim School Manager to find out about availability, discuss levels and book a free trial session - [email protected]

Alternatively you can pop down to the club office on Sundays between 1515 and 1715 when our lesson run and speak to our Front of House, who’ll be located in the club office.  

Our lesson take place at Five Rivers Leisure Centre and the club office is located poolside by the spectator entrance.

Are parents able to view lessons?

Yes, parents are able to view the lessons from the spectator gallery at Five Rivers Leisure Centre. Parents can drop off and collect swimmers from poolside if necessary but cannot stay poolside during lessons. Under COVID-19 guidelines, there are alternative arrangements in place which will be detailed to you upon being allocated a trial lesson.

Will changing rooms be available?

Will changing rooms be available? Yes changing, showering and toilet facilities are available at Five Rivers Leisure Centre for use by Stingrays Swim School. Under COVID-19 regulations alternative arrangements are in place which will be detailed to you upon being allocated a trial session.

How long are lessons?

Lessons for White Rays (Beginners), Red Rays (Backstroke), Green Rays (Front Crawl) and Black Rays (Breaststroke) are 30 minutes long. 

Lesson for the Pre-Competitive Lessons (Butterfly and competitive stroke and skill development) are 1 hour long. 

When do lessons run?

Lessons run at Five Rivers Leisure Centre on Sunday afternoons between 1515 - 1715. 

We run lessons for 30 weeks of the year, three terms of 10 weeks. The Swim School Manager will notify members in advance of term dates.