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Swimming

Swimming at The Link Centre

Swimming’s a great way to have fun and get healthy, whatever your age or level of ability. At the Link Centre we have a 6 lane, 25m pool ranging in depth from 1m - 2m, where you can improve your fitness in a controlled environment with our lane swimming sessions which are suitable for competent swimmers with slow, medium and fast lanes.

At the Link Centre we believe swimming should be fun and exciting, that is why you will find a wide variety of sessions including parent-and-toddler, men only, ladies only and mature swimmers along with our general mixed sessions. You can also join in our fun filled water workouts which are instructor led.

We have allocated slots for school swimming lessons along with our own popular swim school. The pool is also used by several local swimming clubs.

With all this on offer, 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.

Floats and other swimming aids are available to purchase from reception.

Book now

Swim School

Better Swim School teaches more than 90,000 swimmers throughout the UK and teaches over 1,200 swimmers at the link centre. Our swim school programme is designed to be flexible and affordable. Lessons are delivered on a rolling programme that allows pupils to join at any stage and progress at their own pace.

For those who want to make waves quickly, one-to-one lessons are available, as well as intensive courses during the holidays. Our lessons operate for 50 weeks of the year with a gap in lessons over the Christmas period.

Our experienced, qualified teachers support all swimmers to progress and take the plunge, whatever their level of ability. 

Progress Tracking

Better Swim School provides an online tool, Home Portal that helps you to track your progress or your child's progress in the pool.

Once you book a course, it's easy to set up an account using your unique barcode number.

Once registered, you'll be able to log in to access information and updates directly from your swimming instructor.

Features include:

  • Record of Achievement - clear and regular updates on progress, including achievements and areas for improvement.
  • Book Lessons - choose dates, times and Swim School Stage
  • One account for multiple children - perfect for schools and families.
  • Allowing you to move up unto the next class upon successful progression.
  • Printing your Parent Barcode to gain quick access to our centres at lesson times.
  • Pay Online - skip the queue and go straight to your lesson.

Get the most out of your swim

Pre Cleanse

Please help us to keep your pool clean by following our Swim Hygiene guidelines by showering and using the toilet facilities before you swim.

Respect

People of different standards and abilities will use the pool. Please respect their right to enjoy their swim.

Speed

Choose your lane using the fast, medium and slow signs and by watching those already swimming. Before pushing off at each turn, check to see if anyone faster is approaching.

Direction

Please follow the directional signs and move across to the appropriate side of the lane for each length.

Space

Try and leave at least 5 metres between yourself and another swimmer and if it’s possible to see a pace clock, then a 5 second gap is just as good.

Strokes

Wide stokes 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.

Equipment

Fitness swimming training 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.

Resting

Whether stopping for a rest or catching your breath after completing your swim, please be mindful that others using the lane will want to keep on swimming without stopping. 

Share

Celebrate your achievements and share your swimming stories with us on social media using #betterswimming, we’d love to hear them! 

Help us keep your pool clean...

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