Learn to Swim Programme

Gedling Swim Stars

Our Swim Stars scheme aims to develop all aspects of children’s confidence in the water by offering 25 minute lessons in blocks of ten weeks.

The scheme starts with the Duckling awards for children aged 3 and above, before offering another 7 stages of teaching once they reach 4 years of age.

How to Join

Children starting swimming lessons for the first time will need to have a valid Gedling Leisure Card.

To register for our swim scheme, please contact the reception at Arnold, Calverton or Carlton Forum

Please note that payment is required before the start of the course, details of prices can be found on our price list page. Badges and certificates are also available to purchase from our leisure centres after successful completion of a swim stage.

Course Stages

Stage Name	Requirements	Icon
Duckling	Aimed at children aged 3 and above who cannot swim without armbands. Please note that adults must accompany children during these sessions on a one-to-one basis
Puffin Beginner	Aimed at children aged 4 and above who cannot swim without armbands.
Puffin Intermediate	Aimed at children aged four years and above who can swim five metres front paddle and five metres back paddle
Puffin Advanced	5 metres front-crawl (with their face in the water and arms recovering over the water) 5 metres back-stroke (with arms recovering over the water)
Polar Bear Beginner	10 metres front-crawl (with their face in the water, their arms recovering over the water and attempting to breathe to the side) 10 metres back-stroke (with arms recovering over the water) 5 metres breaststroke (with feet turned out and kicking around together)
Polar Bear Intermediate	25 metres front-crawl showing good technique 25 metres back-stroke showing good technique 10 metres breaststroke showing good technique
Polar Bear Advanced	50 metres showing good technique (comprising 25 metres front-crawl and 25 metres back-stroke) 25 metres breaststroke showing good technique 10 metres butterfly showing good technique
Killer whale	100 metres showing good technique (comprising at least 25 metres front-crawl, 25 metres back-stroke and 25 metres breaststroke). 25 metres butterfly showing good technique
Personal survival and rescue awards	Aimed at children who can swim 200 metres and want to learn how to save themselves and others.
Snorkelling	Aimed at children who can swim 200 metres and want to learn basic snorkelling techniques for fun and for holidays