Swimming

 

All swimming activities are currently unavailable due to our swimming pool temporary closure. Please click here for the latest service updates.

 

 

Link centre swimming pool panoramic picture

Swimming’s a great way to have fun and get healthy, whatever your age or level of ability.

The Link Centre pool is a 6 lane, 25m pool ranging in depth from 1 to 2 metres, where you can improve your fitness in a controlled environment.

At the Link Centre, we believe swimming should be fun and exciting, that is why you will find a wide variety of activities available. Our pool is hosting school swimming lessons along with own popular Better Swim School, but also several local swimming clubs. And from adult lane swimming to fun family sessions and Aqua Aerobics fitness classes, when it comes to developing your skills, teaching your child or just having fun, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge!

Arange of Speedo swimming equipment, floats and other swimming aids are available to purchase from reception.

VIEW POOL TIMETABLE

 

OUR PUBLIC SWIMMING SESSIONS

woman swimming front crawl

Swim for Fitness

Lane swimming sessions suitable for competent swimmers over the age of 11. Swimmers aged 11-17 should be able to swim the pool 25m length unaided. Please note some lanes may be closed during part or whole of a session.

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Monday to Friday
  • Note: For session times, please refer to our timetable here. Half-term programme may differ. 

BOOK SWIM FOR FITNESS

man and boy playing and smiling in pool

Swim for All

A general swim session suitable for all ages and abilities for fun or fitness. Families with children of all ages welcome. One competent adult swimmer may supervise up to two under 8's or non swimmer under 16.

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Saturdays & Sundays
  • Note: Please refer to our timetable here. Extra weekday sessions are added during School Holidays and Bank Holidays. View children Holidays Activities here.

BOOK SWIM FOR ALL

Family Fun Swim

A session for all ages and abilities, with a variety of floats and toys available for everyone to enjoy. One competent adult swimmer may supervise up to 2 under 8’s or non swimmers under 16 at a time.

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Saturdays & Sundays
  • Note: Please refer to our timetable here. Extra weekday sessions are added during School Holidays and Bank Holidays. View children Holidays Activities here.

BOOK FAMILY FUN SWIM

young man swimming

Inclusive Swim

Suitable for adults (over 16) with learning and/or physical disabilities. Also appropriate for those with stable health conditions, including poor mental health.

Although not a structured lesson, staff are available to support and motivate.

Pool hoist and disabled changing facilities are available.

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Tuesdays, 2.00pm
  • Price: £3.25

BOOK INCLUSIVE SWIM

Swim for 60+

A general swim session dedicated for over 60's of all abilities.

2 pool lanes are set up for the more confident swimmers who wish to keep swimming lengths for fitness. An open pool space equivalent to 3 lanes is also available for those who would like to swim more casually, who need to take more frequent breaks, or simply want to exercise in the shallow end. Floating aids such as pool noodles and kickboards can be used in this area. (Floating aids are not provided by the centre, but customers are welcome to bring their own or purchase items from the Speedo stand at reception.)

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Mondays, 11.30am
  • Price: included for Better Health members. Click here for non-members and Pay As You Go members prices.

BOOK SWIM FOR 60+

Healthwise Swim

Swim session dedicated to Healthwise members (GP referrals).

Suitable for adults only, who are competent swimmers and able to swim 25m unaided.

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Availability: Mondays, 11.30am
  • Price: £4.50 for Healthwise Pay As You Go members. Included with GP Referral monthly membership.

BOOK HEALTHWISE SWIM

 

To find more information on our Healthwise GP Referral programme, please click here.

For any further question regarding this session, or to know if this could be suitable for your exercise routine, please email the team at Healthwise.Swindon@gll.org.

OTHER POOL ACTIVITIES

women exercising in the pool, smiling

Aqua Aerobics

Suitable for adults over 16 only. All fitness abilities welcome.

This invigorating instructor led class provide all the benefits of a great workout, as well as being lots of fun. Aqua Aerobics is particularly recommended to those looking for a low impact exercise. The support provided by the water helps reduce joints and muscle injuries.

You don’t even need to be able to swim, as all exercises take place in the shallow end of the swimming pool. 

  • Instructor: Amelia
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Availability: Mondays, 10.40am

 

BOOK AQUA AEROBICS

 

Find out more about the Link Centre fitness classes offer here.

instructor demonstrating technique in front of learners in the pool

Swim Doctor (Adults Lessons)

Swim Doctor is Better's adult swimming programme for over 16. Swim Doctor Learn is suitable for complete beginners, while Swim Doctor Fitness is for those who already know how to swim but would like to improve their technique. Find out more about Swim Doctor here.

Membership is not required and attendance is totally flexible: book a lesson up to a week in advance, just like you would join a fitness class!

Swim Doctor Learn:

  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Availability: Tuesdays, 6.30pm & Wednesdays, 10.30am

Swim Doctor Fitness:

  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Availability: Tuesdays, 7.15pm

BOOK SWIM DOCTOR

girl in water wearing red Better branded swimming cap

Children Swimming Lessons

Swimming is a valuable skill for any child to learn. It’s a great form of all-round exercise as well as being a vital life skill that can help keep children safe in and around water. 

Lessons for children of all levels are available here at The Link Centre:

  • Swimbies and Pre-School (from 13 months old up to 5 years)
  • Foundation, aged 4 and over (for beginners, school-aged children)
  • Development, ages 5+ (for those able to swim 25m unaided)
  • Academy (for children able to swim more than 200m)

See our lessons availability and register online. And track your child's weekly progress on your Home Portal.

FIND OUT MORE

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE POOL?

Get the most out of your swim

  • People of different standards and abilities use the pool. Please respect their right to enjoy their swim.
  • Choose your speed appropriate lane using the fast, medium and slow signs and by watching those alrady swimming. Before pushing off at each turn, check to see if anyone faster is approaching.
  • Move accross to the appropriate side of the lane for each length following the direction signs.
  • Try and leave a 5 metres space between yourself and another swimmer.
  • Wide strokes such as butterfly and breaststroke should be avoided when the lanes become busy. If you change to a slower stroke as part of your session, think about moving lanes.
  • Fitness swimming equipment, such as fins and hand paddles, is permitted at the discretion of the lifeguard and based on capacity. Snorkels can be used in conjunction with conventional swimming goggles.
  • When resting to catch your breath or after completing your swim, please be mindful of other lane users wanting to keep on swimming without stopping.
  • Celebrate your achievements and share your swimming stories with us on social media using #betterswimming, we'd love to hear them!

Swim Safely Rules

Please comply with the following rules:

  • Under 8’s and non swimmers 11-17 must be accompanied by a competent adult swimmer
  • No more than two under 8’s or non swimmers 11-17 to each  competent adult swimmer
  • The competent adult swimmer must actively supervise under 8’s and non swimmers 11-17
  • Under 8’s and all non swimmers must remain in shallow water
  • We strongly recommend under 8’s and all non swimmers use armbands and/or an appropriate buoyancy aid

Advice to adult non swimmers:

  • It is recommended that non swimmers over the age of 16 are accompanied in the water by a competent adult swimmer

Read more about Water Safety and Drowning Prevention here...

Help us keep your pool clean...

  • Shower thoroughly from ‘top to toe’ with soap before entering the pool to remove deodorant, cosmetics and perspiration.
  • Use the toilet facilities before your swim and remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
  • Babies should wear tight-fitting waterproof baby trunks whilst swimming rather than nappies.
  • Please dispose of nappies, trunks and sanitary products in the bins provided.
  • Do not swim if you have consumed a meal within the last two hours.
  • Never swim if you have consumed alcohol or are under the influence of drugs.
  • Do not swim if you are currently suffering from a cold or flu.
  • Do not swim if you have suffered from food poisoning or diarrhoea within the last 14 days.
  • Please remove your footwear upon entering the changing rooms. Disposable shoes covers are available.

What swimwear can I wear in the swimming pool?

All swimmers must wear clean swimwear, you can find our guide to appropriate swimwear here.

Inappropriate swimwear includes underwear or any garment with obscene or offensive pictures or slogans. Denim or heavy garments, including cotton leggings, long flowing clothes and baggy t-shirts. Swimwear that is not made from chlorine-resistant materials may be damaged.

We would advise that weak or non-swimmers wear close-fitting swimwear (i.e. swimming trunks or a full swimsuit). Our staff at the centre reserve the right to determine whether swimwear is appropriate.

Does the Link Centre have a disability hoist or pool pod?

Accessible changing rooms and pool pod and hoist are available for customers who require them. Please speak with the staff upon arrival to be given access.

To find out more about our pool pod, please click here.

SWIMMING MEMBERSHIPS

Regular swimmer? Find a membership that suits you.

From Swim only with UK access to Centre's or All Swindon's access All Inclusive memberships, we've got something that's right for you. 

Not swimming enough to pay monthly? Check out our Pay as you Go membership: for a small yearly fee, you'll then pay for swimming (or any other activity) at a discounted rate.
See all our activity prices here.

JOIN NOW

 

 

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