Before the lesson

Before taking the plunge, think carefully about whether you, as a parent, and your child are ready for the class. You can do this by asking yourself these questions:

How long the journey will take you and how you’re going to get to the class?
How long will it take you to change yourself and your child?
What is the best time to attend a lesson with feeds and naps in mind?
Is there somewhere at the pool or leisure centre where you feel comfortable for feeding after the lesson?

If you have any questions, please contact us at penrith.leisure@gll.org

What to expect

Once you’ve met your teacher, you’ll get in the water with your infant. You’ll need to get low in the water so that it’s at eye level with your child.

Your teacher will then explain how to hold your child correctly and get started with the class.

At the end of class, your teacher may give you tasks to complete during bath time at home to increase water confidence or enhance skills through repetition.

We also encourage socialising with other parents, as this is a great way to expand your social circle and make new, like-minded friends.

After the lesson

Once you’ve completed your lesson, here are some things to bear in mind: 

• Ensure a towel for your child is within easy reach after the lesson, as they feel the cold much more than we do.

• Your child is likely to be hungry and tired after the lesson, so ensure you pack a feed or snack.

• Encourage family swimming outside lesson time so that not all swimming sessions are structured. Recreational swimming can provide an opportunity for children to try out skills at their own pace, without the need to feel like they have to perform when asked.

Child and Youth Swimming Programme journey

When it comes to swimming, we know that not all children will be at the same level. That’s why we have swimming classes for kids of all ages and abilities, no matter when they’re starting their swimming journey.

Below is an outline of our classes and ability groups for children aged 4 – 16 years. If your child is younger, we also offer baby and infant classes for children aged 12 months and older.

Pre-school (3 - 5 years)

Our Pre-School swimming lessons focus on developing your child’s confidence in the water and introducing them to the key skills they’ll need to swim on their own safely. Parents do not need to be in the water. The teacher will be in the water the whole time.

Foundation (From age 4+)

Our Foundation swimming lessons are designed for school-aged kids who are beginners or completely new to swimming. These lessons will teach them water safety and survival skills in three levels: Red, Amber, and Green. After completion, your child will be able to swim independently for 10 meters and have a basic understanding of all four swimming strokes.

Development (able to swim 15 metres plus)

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 15m unaided. Like our foundation classes, these cover various ability levels, the pupil must be deep water confident.

Academy (children who can swim over 100 meters)

Our Academy classes are the last level of our children's swimming lessons, aimed at empowering them to achieve personal goals and become confident, self-directed swimmers. These classes emphasize advanced safety techniques, such as setting personal targets, junior lifesaving, and personal survival skills, which will help your child thrive.

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.

Mini Water-polo (School Holidays)

Join us for Water Polo during the school holidays here at Penrith Leisure Centre! Children must be aged 8+ and be able to swim 25 meters unaided. Session are 1 hour long. No previous experience necessary.

If you would like more information on the sessions please email penrith.leisure@gll.org