Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre

Unlock your full potential as a swimmer with Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre. Our swimming classes are designed to cater to all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced swimmers. Whether you want to improve your water confidence, stay safe in the water or become an expert swimmer, our experienced instructors are here to help you achieve your goals.

SWIMBIES

Our Swimbies programme offers classes tailored to children between 3 months and 3 years, designed to provide a comprehensive and effective learning experience that instills water confidence for life. As a parent, grandparent, or guardian, you can accompany your child in the pool and witness their first splashes firsthand. Our instructors are highly experienced and certified to deliver infant swimming lessons that are tailored to each child's unique needs, providing expert guidance and support throughout the process.

Our SWIMBiES lesson take part in the warmer learner pool where our instructors guide the class from the water for an extra splash of fun.

Dippers (3 - 12months)

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 - 24 months)

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 to 18 months) to two years.

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Paddlers (24 - 36 months)

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 three to four years old.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Children's Swimming Lessons

At Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre, we understand the significance of children's swimming lessons as an essential life skill and form of exercise. Our centre offers affordable and comprehensive children's swimming classes for all age groups and skill levels. We acknowledge that every child has a unique learning pace and level of comfort in the water. Therefore, our experienced instructors tailor the lessons to meet each child's individual needs, ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills to stay safe and confident in the water.

Lessons are available throughout the year, running for 48 weeks and lasting 30 minutes each week. Enrollment is open and pupils may join at any point in time.

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. Lessons are available with and without parents in the water.

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Foundation (ages 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.

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Development (ages 5+)

Our Development classes are for children who can swim 15 meters unaided and focus on refining technique across all four strokes, introducing aquatic sports, and teaching essential water survival and rescue skills. These classes also contribute to achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold milestone awards.

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Academy (children who can swim over 200meters)

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.

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Barnet Training Scheme

The Barnet Training Scheme continues on from the Academy, and provides participants with the training facilities and coaching expertise required to compete up to International level. 

In partnership with the Barnet Copthall Swimming Club (BCSC), the scheme/club is managed by experienced Great Britain Coaches and is one of the leading teams in the UK, offering swimmers unrivalled opportunities to develop their swimming skills to the highest levels in sport. 

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Adult swimming lessons

Adult Swimming Lessons is the ultimate programme that is designed to cater all of your swimming needs. Whether you're a novice swimmer seeking to learn the basics, looking to refine your technique, or wanting to enhance your fitness levels, these sessions are here to assist you in making the most of your time in the pool.

Our swimming teachers can coach you in groups if you want to learn with a friend, or individually, and you’ll be surprised how easy and fun it is once you get started. Our high-quality facilities also help ensure that you get the most out of your adult swimming lessons and learn to love the water.

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. Adult Swimming Lessons are ideal for beginners, where you will cover the basics, giving you a great foundation for improvement.

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Adult Swimming Coaching

These adult swimming fitness classes are focused on improving swimming technique to help you stay healthy. Whether you’re training for an event or just want to improve your overall health, these series of drills will help improve your performance and meet new people. 

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Adult Swimming Lessons - Male Only

Build your confidence in the water with our male-only swimming lessons. Catering to men of all swimming stages and abilities, book now to develop a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the social and mental benefits of swimming with our male-only sessions.

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