Introduction to Lessons Programme

Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club runs a very successful Learn to Swim programme, during term time, for children from the age of three. It provides a fantastic opportunity for children to develop water confidence and swimming skills, in a fun, yet structured way. Our structured teaching programme follows the ASA’s National Plan for Teaching Swimming and is sponsored by Southern Water.

Sue Lambert manages the Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club lessons programme, with a team of experienced swimming teachers. They are also assisted by some of our senior swimmers who have competed for Basingstoke Bluefins. The team works together to create exciting and engaging lessons where learning to swim is fun.

The staged teaching programme has 8 groups.  Each group has its own targets and associated awards, which are achieved before moving to the next level.  Beginners groups are small so that early skills can be learnt quickly with plenty of feedback, and they are taught through fun and games to keep them interested in swimming. Throughout the lessons programme teachers ensure that skills are emphasised. Children are assessed on their ability at the end of each term, and if they achieve their targets then they will progress to the next level. Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club reward achievement through the ASA awards scheme.

Tadpoles and Red groups develop basic safety awareness, the ‘class’ scenario, basic movement skills and water confidence skills. Swimmers may use aids, e.g. arm bands, floats, etc

Orange groups develop safe entries to the water, including jumping, basic floating, travel and rotation unaided to regain upright positions.

In Yellow groups, swimmers develop safe entries including submersion, travel up to 10 metres on front and back, progress rotation skills and water safety knowledge.

Green groups develop the understanding of buoyancy through a range of skills, refining kicking technique for all strokes and swimming 10 metres to a given standard as directed by the ASA.

Sky groups develop ‘watermanship’ through sculling and treading water skills and complete rotation. They perform all strokes to the given standard as directed by the ASA.

Blue groups swim lengths of the pool and develop effective swimming skills including coordinated breathing; develop the water safety aspects and understanding of preparation for exercise.

Purple groups develop quality stroke technique up to 100metres, incorporating skills learnt and combining them to develop a linked routine and complete successfully an obstacle course that combines a variety of skills accomplished throughout the stages.

Awards and Reports

At the end of each term, your child will be given a report outlining their progress. If an Award has been achieved this will be given to your child at the start of the next term. Your child’s teacher will also decide when he or she is ready for the challenge of the next group, based upon his or her skill level and stamina.  It is important that a child is able to repeat skills learnt consistently and with confidence before having to meet the challenge of a new, more advanced group. A move at the right time will help advance your child’s skills whereas a move too early may have the opposite effect.

After lessons…

After Lessons swimmers join our development squads. Development 2 and 1 prepare swimmers to enter club squads. At least one session per week for each group is held in the Competition Pool at the Aquadrome, and children will be invited to join these groups based on the recommendation of their teacher. Each child is different and this is deliberately flexible to ensure a smooth transition is made once the appropriate skills have been developed.

Find out more about Bluefins Competition Squads.