Swimming lessons are currently unavailable due to our swimming pool temporary closure. Please click here for the latest service updates.
Here at The Link Centre, we offer an extended Swim School programme for children aged as young as 13 months old and up to 15 years.
For adults of any age over 16, we provide "Swim Doctor" classes designed for all swimming levels so everyone can get comfortable in the water. Whether you want to learn to swim for the first time, are training for an event, or simply want to improve you’re technique, we’ll get you to where you want to be.
Better Swim School lessons run weekly for 50 weeks a year, with a 2 weeks' break over the Christmas Holidays. Apart for those 2 weeks, lessons run through all half-terms, summer holidays and Bank Holidays. Children can progress at their own pace and start the lessons anytime since they are individually assessed during each lesson. You can track their progress via our online tool: Home Portal. Download our Better UK app for easy access to your account for one or multiple children. The app will also allow you to scan your member card(s) at the gates and skip the queues at reception.
Before you book, it is important you choose the right class for your child's age and ability level. If you’re unsure which class is best, please see the class breakdown below to help guide your choice.
Our experienced and qualified teachers welcome parents and toddlers from 13 months up to 5 years in our Swimbies and Pre-School lessons: providing a fun syllabus to help guide you and your child to build water confidence that lasts a lifetime. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, you can join your little one in the pool to share their first splashes. Please find out more about Swimbies lessons here.
Link Centre Swimbies are taking place on Wednesdays as below:
For infants classes (Dippers, 3 to 12 months), please check our other Swindon location: Dorcan Better Health & Recreation Complex.
Designed for school-aged children who are beginners or completely new to swimming. These lessons will teach them how to be safe in and around water. Previously known as Stage 1, 2, 3.
Foundation classes consist of 3 levels (red, amber and green) which swimmers work towards to complete these lessons. They are designed to introduce, develop and master water confidence, essential swimming skills and stroke development techniques.
By the end of this course, your child will be able to swim 10 meters unaided learning the basics of all 4 swimming strokes.
Foundation lessons at the Link Centre run as per below:
Previously know as Stage 4, 5, 6, 7. Development classes are a level above Foundation lessons and are for children who already have a good basis of swimming skills and who are able to swim 25m unaided. Like our Foundation classes, these cover various ability levels, ensuring each child feels comfortable.
Building on what was learnt in Foundation classes, these lessons will cover more swimming essentials including developing technique across all 4 strokes, an introduction to aquatic sports and basic water survival and rescue skills.
The skills your child will learn in these classes will also contribute to them achieving their Bronze, Silver and Gold milestone awards.
Development lessons run as per below:
The final level of our children’s swimming lessons, Academy classes will help your child develop further and work towards achieving their own personal goals in the pool.
We want to encourage your children to become confident independent swimmers. So, Academy classes are a lot more focused on self-led progression and advanced safety techniques. This will include setting personal targets, junior lifesaving and personal survival techniques.
We will also work with other partner clubs to assess your child’s ability throughout this course and help them progress in any talent pathway they choose e.g. Diving.
Academy lessons are 45 minutes and available on:
Help your kids stay active and learn a new life skill over the holidays with our Swim School Holiday Courses.
- Tick the box "Holiday and Short Courses" in the left-hand filters.
For details on the courses running over the next holidays, please check our Holiday Activities page.
Please find below some frequently asked questions and useful information to know before registering to lessons. If there is anything else you'd like to know, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Link Centre team at link@gll.org or visit us in the centre and speak to a member of staff. We're always happy to help!
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!
Class duration is 45 minutes, and are available as per below:
Swim Doctor Learn:
Swim Doctor Fitness: