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Watch your child have fun and become confident in the water as they Learn To Swim

Our engaging swimming lessons for children aged 4+ follow the trusted Swim England framework. Your child will learn essential swimming skills and gain water confidence, whilst having fun.

With Splosh’s Chat, you can receive feedback and progress updates after each lesson. Plus, free certificates mark every milestone, so you can track and celebrate their journey as they become a confident swimmer.

Why Learn To Swim?

  • Trusted lesson structure, following Swim England framework, so your child completes an accredited swimming programme
  • Lessons designed to be fun and interactive, so your child is engaged and motivated as they progress
  • Your child will become a confident, capable swimmer, able to complete at least 25 metres in all 4 strokes
  • Ability-based stages so your child feels confident learning alongside other children with similar skills
  • Splosh’s Chat – your feedback time with the teacher after every lesson to track progress
  • Only 6 swimmers per lesson, so everyone receives time and attention
  • Free certificates, including Swimmer of the Week, to recognise progress and celebrate achievements
  • Thrive Café in all locations, perfect for refuelling and meeting other members
  • Free parking at all locations
  • 15% discount for Total Fitness members

From £54 per month*

*subject to location

baby in swimming lesson with instructor

More than just children's swimming lessons

A skill for life

Learning to swim is more than just a fun activity; it's a life skill that can enhance your child’s knowledge of safety around water, it’s a great form of exercise for children and can encourage a future interest in participating in sports.

Splosh's Chat

At the end of every lesson, you can receive feedback from the teacher to check your child’s progress and answer any questions.

Free assessment

If you want help choosing the right lesson for your child, book a free assessment, where our expert teachers will observe your child’s swimming skills to recommend the right lesson.

Free certificates

We believe in celebrating your child’s hard work and progress, so your child will receive a free certificate when they complete each milestone and stage. We also celebrate a Swimmer of the Week in each lesson.

baby in swimming lesson with instructor and parent

What to expect at
Learn To Swim

  • Lessons take place in our Total Fitness swimming pools, located across 14 locations
  • Lessons are 30 minutes and are led by our team of friendly teachers
  • Your child will join up to 5 other swimmers in the water
  • The teacher will deliver the lesson from the poolside
  • Your child will learn to swim without floatation devices, swim up to 100 metres, master all four strokes, jump, dive, turn in water, and build water safety and confidence.
  • Your child will receive a free certificate after each milestone and stage
  • After every lesson, use your Splosh’s Chat to receive feedback on your child’s progress and ask questions

Lesson Stages

Our Learn To Swim programme follows the Swim England Framework of 1-7 swim stages. Each stage has a clear list of outcomes that need to be completed to achieve each award, taking your child from learning to swim without flotations in Magic Movers to developing their four strokes and swimming each stroke a minimum of 25 metres by the end of Aqua Athletes.

Using fun games and floatation equipment, children will develop their basic movement skills and water confidence, along with safety in and around the water, helping to build the foundations for future swimming skills and techniques.

Magic Movers stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 1

Swim Wales: Wave 1

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Octopus 1

This stage is for non-swimmers, having their first experiences with the water

Distance Awards: Puffin Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Magic Movers.

Join online

Children will start to learn how to get in and out of the water safely, including jumping in, along with basic floating and traveling through the water. They will also learn to get themselves in an upright position, unaided.

Awesome Adventurers stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 2

Swim Wales: Wave 2

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Octopus 2, Octopus 3

To begin this stage, your child must be able to: - Enter the water safely - Move 5 metres in multiple directions - Push and glide on their front and back from a wall - Give examples of two pool rules - Exit the water safely

Distance Awards: 5m Distance Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Awesome Adventurers.

Join online

Now we go below the surface, as children learn to submerge themselves safely under water and continue to develop safely getting into the water. Further techniques will help them achieve a 10 metres swim on their front and back, unaided.

Pool Pioneers stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 3

Swim Wales: Wave 3

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Golf Fish 1, Gold fish 2

To begin this stage, your child must be able to: - Jump in from poolside safety - Travel 5 metres using their legs - Perform a log roll - Exit the water without support

Distance Awards: 10m Rainbow Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Pool Pioneers.

Join online

Let's get moving, as children learn to master their kicking technique for all four strokes (front, back, breast, and butterfly) and further develop their buoyancy skills, bringing it all together to swim at least 10 metres.

Kicking Kids stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 4

Swim Wales: Wave 4

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Golf Fish 3

To begin this stage, your child must be able to: - Jump in from poolside and submerge - Travel 10 metres on the front or back with feet off the pool floor - Identify three of the four water safety messages - Perform a tuck float for three seconds or more - Exit the water without using steps

Distance Awards: 10m Front Crawl Award, 10m Backstroke Award, 25m Distance Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Kicking Kids.

Join online

Standing on their own two feet (in the water at least) it's time to tread water and develop lifesaving water skills. Children will also perform all strokes to the standard of the Swim England framework.

Terrific Treaders stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 5

Swim Wales: Wave 5

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Angel Fish 1, Angel Fish 2, Angel Fish 3

To begin this stage, your child must be able to: - Push, glide and swim 5 metres, using any stroke - Push and glide from the wall towards the pool floor - Kick 10 metres in all four strokes

Distance Awards: 10m Backstroke Award, 10m Butterfly Award, 50m Distance Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Terrific Treaders.s

Join online

Now we really master all four strokes as children develop efficient and effective swimming techniques and coordinated breathing. They will also develop their safety skills, by learning to swim in clothes.

Club Champs stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 6

Swim Wales: Wave 6

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Shark 1, Shark 2

To begin this stage, your child must be able to: - Tread water for 30 seconds - Perform three different shaped jumps into deep water - Perform a forward somersault - Perform a handstand for three seconds or more - Push, glide and swim 10 metres in all four strokes

Distance Awards: 25m Front Crawl, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly Award, 100m Distance Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Club Champs.

Join online

Using all the skills from their previous stages, children will develop their stamina as they master the timing for all four strokes and perform them for a minimum of 25 metres. Three of the strokes will be combined to create a 100-metre linked routine.

Aqua Athletes stage is the equivalent to:

Swim England: Stage 7

Swim Wales: Wave 7

Swimming Teacher Association (STA): Shark 3

To begin this stage, your child must be able to: - Swim 10 metres wearing clothes - Push, glide and swim all the four strokes - Perform a 'shout and signal' rescue - Perform a surface dive - Swim 25 metres in all four strokes

Distance Awards: 200m Distance Award, 400m Distance Award

Your child will receive a free certificate when they complete Aqua Athletes

Join online

Need help finding the right lesson stage for your child?

Book a free swim assessment, where our teachers will observe your child’s swimming skills and recommend the right lesson for their abilities.

The assessment only takes 10-15 minutes and removes any guesswork or pressure for you to choose the right lesson.

Book free assessment

What our members think

The lessons at Total Fitness are superb. The kids love them, and have really progressed. Special shout out to Issy great instructor.

- Oscar

We have found swimming at Total Fitness really good. Our little boy has really come on, in his stamina & technique. The teacher is really good and chilled with Luke and has a good teaching style with him.

- Luke

We are very happy with our daughter Isla's swimming lessons, Isla really enjoys the sessions and has made good progress, Isla is fond of her instructor Emma and we look forward to her continuing lessons at Total fitness.

- Isla

Logan had his first swimming lesson today and I would like to give some feedback on Viv.
Logan absolutely loved his first lesson and Viv is an amazing teacher she brought Logan out of his comfort zone with no problem and pushed him a little and he loved it. I am so happy I have booked with yourselves. Logan really looks forward to next week.

- Lucy

Excellent swim lesson with good infrastructure and great staff! my daughter Atrisa love to learn swimming here! Swim meets are organised pretty well and coaches focus on all the students without rushing them into upper levels. Overall pretty happy with total fitness in Teesside and will definitely recommend them for swimming lessons for all kids.

- Sara

I wanted to share our fantastic experience with your swimming lessons. My daughter was initially afraid of water, but thanks to your wonderful instructors, she now eagerly looks forward to each class. Her teacher has been incredibly supportive, building her confidence and making the lessons enjoyable.
Thank you for providing such a positive environment for learning and growth!

- Ihab

My daughter has been having swimming lessons with Team Splosh at Total Fitness for almost 6 months and thoroughly enjoys her weekly sessions. Her confidence and ability in the water have improved immensely during this time due to the individual attention she receives during each lesson. The classes are small in number meaning the teacher has time for each child and there is also time at the end of each lesson for individual feedback for parents/carers.

- Clair

Both of my children love going to their swimming lessons at Swim Academy. The milestones for each stage are clear and they know what it is they need to work towards to reach the next stage. Having attended swimming lessons elsewhere in the past, I can honestly say that the staff at Swim Academy are so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I absolutely love the fact that the lesson times are not booked back to back so that feedback is given to children and parents once the lesson has finished.

- Lauren

Jack has been swimming at Total Fitness for over a year now and his confidence and ability has increased tremendously in this time, going from a non swimmer, to being able to swim all strokes and earning multiple swim badges along the way. The instructors are always so supportive and encouraging, targeting areas for improvement whilst making it an enjoyable experience.

- Craig

Meet Team Splosh

Meet just a few of our friendly, experienced swim teachers, all dedicated to helping your child develop lifelong swimming skills through positive and enjoyable experiences in the water.

  • Angie

    I’m a lover of the water and an Ambassador for Swim England with over 10 years’ experience teaching children of all ages and abilities, including competitive swimming.

  • Katie

    I love my role as a swim teacher. I help children learn to swim, making sure all my lessons are fun while teaching the children important swimming and water safety skills.

  • Charlene

    I have been teaching swimming for over 10 years now, from ages 3 to 92, and find being a swim teacher so rewarding, teaching and seeing them become confident in the water.

  • Lindsey

    I have taught swimming to babies through to adults for over 18 years. My favourite part is seeing the delighted look on little ones' face when they realise they have mastered skills independently without support.

  • Lucy

    I have 8 years experience as a swim teacher. I love supporting children through all swim stages, being able to give certificates out to celebrate achievement and putting a smile on their face.

  • Kate

    My love for swimming as a child has empowered me to pursue a career in Aquatic education and achieve numerous SEQ teaching qualifications for baby, toddler and pre-school swimming.

  • Emma

    There’s nothing more rewarding than helping children build their confidence and develop a love for the water. Some of my happiest memories are in the water, and I hope my swimmers create many exciting water adventures of their own.

  • James

    I love the challenge of developing and perfecting different strokes, helping children reach their full potential. I teach children aged 3 and up, and hold a UK NRASTC certificate and SEQ qualification in swimming instruction.

  • Kate

    I am level 2 teaching Swim England qualified and competed to Yorkshire Championship level for 7 years and more recently have taken part in open water events, including the 10k Great North Swim and swam the River Humber.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can book a swimming lesson online, in club, or via telephone by calling 0330 995 8425.
If your chosen lesson is full, we can place you on the waiting list, and you’ll be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.
The more information you can provide about your child the better the teacher can prepare and provide you with the best experience.
One-to-one child swimming lessons are not currently available. We provide group swimming lessons with a maximum of six children per lesson. This allows for a supportive group environment where our swimming teachers can tailor instructions to meet the needs of each child, encouraging skill development and confidence in the water.
The Swim Academy follows the Swim England Learn To Swim Framework
Swimming lessons are 30 minutes in the water with 10 minutes after the lesson to ask any questions and gain feedback.
6 children in the water
Please arrive with your child on time and ready to start the lesson. You’re responsible for the behaviour of your child whilst on the premises. You and your child will get the most from the lessons if you take part, immersing yourself in the experience.
We are inclusive with our lessons and integrate children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Our teachers will provide you with updates during your Splosh's Chat at the end of each lesson. If you have any further questions after the Splosh's Chat, please speak with a member of our team and we can arrange for your teacher to contact you.
Yes, on completion of all the outcomes within a level, your child will receive a certificate to celebrate they have completed the level ad a “Swimmer of the Week” certificate is awarded every week.

Swim England certificates and badges for water skills, distance and the Swim England stages are available to purchase.
Yes, your child can wear goggles, however, there will be occasions where they may be asked to try activities without them to ensure they are comfortable wearing and not wearing goggles. If your child is going to wear goggles in the sessions, please ensure they are the correct fit.
Yes, we endeavour to have the same teacher delivering the lessons each week, accounting for any holidays the teacher may have.
Magic Movers > Kicking Kids (Stages 1-4) – Teacher supports in the water.

Terrific Treaders > Aqua Athletes (Stages 5-7) – Teacher supports from poolside
Our swimming teachers are qualified to the correct level and complete regular training. We also have lifeguards on duty. Pools are regularly maintained, and water quality is monitored and tested throughout the day.
Yes, one additional adult and child are allowed to be spectators, provided the child remains sat on the knee of the spectating parent/guardian.
We do not allow photos to be taken during the lesson, however, there will be opportunities for you to take pictures with your child and the certificates they receive.
The main pool is heated to 27 - 29 degrees Celsius and family pool is heated to 31 - 33 degrees Celsius
A swim buddy is a nominated adult who can bring your child to lessons if you can’t make it. You can add up to three swim buddies who must all be 18 years or older and present a form of I.D. on arrival.
If you want to move your child to a different lesson, please speak with your swimming teacher who can advise which lesson is right to support your child’s progress.
- Towel - Goggles (if needed) - Appropriate children's swimwear - Padlock for changing room lockers

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