SWIMMING LESSONS AT ARCADIA LIBRARY AND LEISURE CENTRE

Whether you’re looking to improve your child’s confidence in the water, swim safety awareness or want to help your child learn to swim, we have swimming classes that cater for all levels of ability and ages.

As the largest provider of swimming lessons in the UK, the Better Swim School, Swimbies and Adult Swimming Lessons help over 200,000 people a week learn to love the water and keep active, by becoming capable and confident swimmers.

Find flexible swim sessions that put your needs first; from our group sessions to private 1:1 sessions, we put our members at the heart of everything we do.

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OUR JUNIOR LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAMME

* filmed at Manchester Aquatics Centre 

DIPPERS - 3 TO 12 MONTHS

Dippers baby swimming sessions give you time to bond with your child while we teach you and your child water basics. Entry at three months to cruising (approx. 12-18 months).

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SPLASHERS - 12 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS

Following on from Dippers, Splashers infant swimming sessions are a great way to grow your child's water confidence with you right beside them. Entry after completing Dippers or children walking (approx. 12-18 months) to two years.

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PADDLERS - 2 TO 4 YEARS

Moving on from Splashers, Paddlers sessions build on the fundamentals and prepare them for swimming independently. These infant swim lessons are designed for those who have completed Splashers or for children aged two to four years old.

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DIPPERS, SPLASHERS & PADDLERS FAQS

What is the water Temperature? Approx. 29 Degrees 

Are baby change tables provided? Yes

Are there family changing facilities? Yes

Is a buggy store provided? Yes! You'd need a £1 coin or a locker token that is returnable 

Is an adult required in the water? Yes 

What should my child wear? Any swimming costume and a swim nappy, available to buy from reception

Is there a spectating area? Yes! Our viewing area is accessed from the foyer 

Is parking provided? Yes, free parking is provided!

Anything else? We'd recommend bringing your towels onto poolside to help keep baby warm when leaving the pool 

PRE-SCHOOL - 3 TO 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. Lessons are available with and without parents in the water.

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FOUNDATION - AGED 4+

Our Foundation swimming lessons are designed for school-aged kids who are beginners or completely new to swimming. These lessons will teach them how to be safe in and around water. By the end of this course, your child will be able to swim 10 meters unaided learning the basics of all 4 swimming strokes.

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DEVELOPMENT - AGED 5+

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, ensuring each child feels comfortable.

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Customer Testimonial

"I signed my daughter up for the Monday evening special education needs swimming lessons at Arcadia, and it has been a life-changing experience. Over the few months we were at Arcadia, she gained water confidence and really enjoyed herself each time she went for her lessons. The lessons were both richly instructive, safe and playful with excellent instructors (Sarah, Gaynor, and Molly). My daughter really looked forward to attending her lessons at Arcadia, and it was the highlight of her week. I am hoping we can find a similar session down south as we have now relocated. These kind of sessions should run at all local pools to encourage people with special education needs to participate in, and learn swimming"      

PRE-SCHOOL, FOUNDATION & DEVELOPMENT FAQS

What is the water Temperature? Approx. 29 Degrees 

Are baby change tables provided? Yes

Are there family changing facilities? Yes

Is an adult required in the water? For Pre-School lessons only

What should my child wear? Any swimming costume and a swim nappy, available to buy from reception

Is there a spectating area? Yes! Our viewing area is accessed from the foyer 

Is parking provided? Yes, free parking is provided!

Are swimming hats provided? Swim hats are provided and are grouped by ability level. Ask your teacher for your hat on your first lesson

SEND LESSONS

At Better, we want to make swimming accessible to the whole community and to make it as easy as possible for everyone to learn how to swim. We do run specific SEND group children’s swimming lessons for a range of ages and abilities on Monday evenings 18:15 - 18:45. 

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LEVEL WATER

We also offer 1:1 lessons to support children with disabilities and help them improve their skills. We also work with our partner charity Level Water to provide lessons for primary school-aged children with a physical or sensory disability. Subject to availability.

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1:1 LESSONS

Our lessons work on a ratio of one teacher to one learner, which enables 100% contact time between the swimmer and teacher. This also helps those learners to recieve individual attention for the entire lesson when they may struggle in larger groups. Subject to availability.

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SEND, LEVEL WATER & 1:1 FAQS

What are SEND group lessons? Group lessons with reduced teacher to pupil ratios to give more contact time, before transitioning to mainstream lessons

What is level water? Funding provided by Level Water gives access to either 1:1 or small group lessons and reduces the cost to £28.50 per month

Who is eligible? Children with physical or sensory disabilities, click the more info link above for information and application

Who can have 1:1 lessons? Anyone - booked at a time to suit you, you can even have 2:1 lessons which are perfect for siblings 

What if there are no spaces? We operate a waiting list for 1:1 lessons and we will contact you should spaces become available 

INTENSIVE SWIMMING LESSONS

Intensive swimming lessons are delivered over the course of a week and allow your child to make much quicker progress in their learn to swim journey. We schedule courses to run during school holidays, with your child receiving one, thirty minute lesson each day throughout the week. 

Cost: £15.00 for 5 x 30 minute group lessons

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ADULT LESSONS

Swimming is a valuable skill to learn in any stage of life no matter your age. Our adult learn to swim classes are fantastic for your physical and mental wellbeing too, as well as being a low-impact sport that most people can enjoy, regardless of age or fitness level.

ADULT SWIMMING LESSONS

Whether you are getting in the pool for the first time or refreshing and improving your swimming skills, come and learn with our resident Swim Doctor. Ideal for beginners, Adult Swimming Lessons will cover the basics, giving you a great foundation for improvement. 

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PRIVATE ADULT SWIM LESSONS

If you prefer to learn in a 1:1 environment, we offer private adult swim lessons with a qualified swimming instructor. Find out by enquiring below.

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WOMEN-ONLY LESSONS

Run for women, by women, our sessions are led by qualified female swimming instructors and cater to girls and women of all swimming stages and abilities. With our Women-Only swimming sessions and classes, you can develop a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the social and mental benefits of swimming.

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ADULT LESSON FAQS

What is the water temperature? Between 28 - 29 Degrees

What do I need to bring to lessons? Just your swimwear. Bring a swimming hat and goggles if you feel more comfortable swimming with these. Don't forget your towel!

What level are the lessons? We run both beginner (Swim Doctor - Learn), and advanced (Swim Doctor - Fitness) sessions.

Do you offer private women-only sessions? Yes. Sessions are also led by female instructors.