The British Swim School

With a proven teaching method used for over thirty years, The British Swim School has become one of the fastest growing learn to swim programs in the country. The initial focus of the independently owned and operated Wellington location is water safety and survival. Offering swim classes for students aged three months through adults, there are lessons within the program to fit any ability. Using a gentle method of teaching, beginner students work through the process of learning to jump in the water, roll over and come up floating on their own. Back floating is an essential part of being water safe, and learning to swim. Along with beginner classes, there are group classes geared towards more advanced swimmers. The indoor, heated and salt-water chlorinated facility is open for lessons year round.

Classes are separated by age or ability.

• Swimboree: 3 months to 36 months with parent in the water. Maximum 6 students.
  Focusing on water survival, babies are taught through a structured program of songs, games and fun. This class introduces the baby to the water and teaches them to float on their backs independently.
• Young Minnow: 12 months to 3 years without parent in the water. Maximum 4 students. The instructor works one-on-one with each child following the same structure and emphasis on water survival as the Swimboree class. Parents are required to sit on the pool deck during class.
• Minnow: Over 3 years old, without parent on the pool deck. Maximum 4 students.
  Children participate in this small group class concentrating on fun, safety, and independence in the water. Watch as your little ones and their instructor have fun while learning basic water survival techniques.
• Turtle One: Students who have mastered introductory skills. Maximum 4 students.
  In this small group, children focus on preparing for swim stroke classes by learning the basics of “face-in” breathing, and being able to demonstrate propulsion techniques.
• Turtle Two: Swim strokes. Maximum 6 students.
  Swimmers focus on the correct arm, leg, and breathing coordination for three strokes: Freestyle, Breaststroke, and Backstroke. Students also get an introduction to Butterfly. This class is constantly moving, with students swimming in groups of twos and threes.
• Shark 1: Advanced swimming skills. Maximum 6 students.
  Swimmers refine their stroke and breathing technique, as well increase stamina in all four strokes.
• Sharks 2: Pre-team swimmers. Maximum 6 students.
  Students are prepared for future swim team participation with attention focused on drills, starts and turns, individual medleys, and increasing speed and stamina in the water.

In addition, The British Swim School in Wellington also offers Adult classes, Parent-and-Me classes, and Exceptional Swimmers classes. The Exceptional Swimmers class offers a parent-and-me approach to the introduction of water safety skills to children with special needs. All classes are taught by lifeguard certified instructors who are full trained and qualified.

Special thanks this week to Sarah from the British Swim School for this week’s guest blog post! You can find additional information about the the British Swim School on their website and facebook page.