During the longer holiday periods (Summer, Easter), we offer additional swimming options to enhance the Adventure Camps experience. These sessions are optional add-ons, booked by families in advance or on-site.
Our offer includes:
1-1 Private Lessons (30 minutes)
Small Group Lessons (30 minutes, ability-based)
5-Day Crash Courses (progressive format)
| Type | Duration | Ratio | Age Range | Ideal For | Led By |
| 1-1s | 30 mins | 1 child : 1 teacher | Any Age | Personalised instruction | Swim Teacher |
| Group Lessons | 30 mins | Max 1:8 | 3-13 years | Beginners, Improvers, Advanced | Swim Teacher |
| Crash Courses | 30 mins/day for 5 days | Max 1:6 | Any Age | Consistent progress over week (parent attendance) | Swim Teacher |
Camp Managers must hold a daily swimmer register and ensure smooth transitions between zones and the pool.
A Lifeguard (NPLQ) must be present at all times, unless swimming teachers hold a Pool Responder certification.
Swim Teachers must hold minimum Level 2 Qualification.
Children escorted to and from the pool by assigned camp staff.
Changing area supervision follows safeguarding policy (never alone with child, no phones).
Session Operation & Pedagogy #
Delivering High-Impact, Safe, and Supportive Swimming Lessons
Every session in the pool should feel purposeful, structured, and positive. Whether you’re leading a 1-1, a group lesson, or a crash course, this section gives you the blueprint for how to structure your session, support progression, manage behaviour, and communicate effectively with parents.
Sample Session Structures #
Use the following sample flow to plan and deliver high-quality, consistent sessions.
Group Lessons (30 mins)
| Segment | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome & Safety Brief | 2–3 mins | Entry protocols, pool rules, expectations |
| Warm-Up | 3–5 mins | Basic movements, floats, breathing games |
| Skill Focus 1 | 5–8 mins | e.g. Front float, kick technique |
| Skill Focus 2 | 5–8 mins | e.g. Arm movement, coordination |
| Game or Challenge | 5 mins | Confidence-building, fun repetition |
| Cool Down & Feedback | 3–4 mins | Celebrate wins, prepare to exit safely |
1-1 Sessions (30 mins) #
- Start with rapport: greet the child by name, set relaxed tone.
- Use flexible structure but keep:
- Warm-up (2–3 mins)
- Core Skill Work (15–20 mins)
- Challenge or Confidence Task (5 mins)
- Cooldown / Debrief (2–3 mins)
- Always end on a small win.
Crash Course (Day 1–5 Progression)
Progression should be visible and celebrated. Use these benchmarks to assess swimmer levels:
| Level | Indicators |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Uncomfortable with water, requires floats, resists face submersion |
| Early Learner | Can blow bubbles, float with support, basic kicks |
| Improver | Front and back float unaided, short swim with aids, attempts arm strokes |
| Confident Swimmer | Can swim 5–10m unaided, comfortable with head under water, learning breathing control |
| Advanced | 10m+ front/back stroke, uses breathing patterns, strong water safety awareness |
Use the Progression Tracker template to record observations and guide your session focus
Assessment & Parent Feedback #
Every swimmer deserves to know how they’re doing — and parents expect updates. Here’s how we do it:
🔹 During the Week: #
- Use the Daily Progress Tracker to note small wins or challenges
- Encourage swimmers by name when they achieve something new
🔹 End-of-Week Feedback (Crash Courses): #
- Complete a short feedback slip with:
- Swimmer’s confidence level
- Skill highlights (e.g. floating, kicking, strokes)
- Suggested next steps
- Provide to parents on final day or via email (download template)
Resources: #
Behaviour Management in the Water #
Water magnifies emotions — excitement, fear, frustration. Staff must be calm, clear, and supportive.
Common Challenges & What To Do:
| Behaviour | Response |
|---|---|
| Fear or crying | Bring child to poolside calmly, offer choice (e.g. watch others first), use toys or gentle water play |
| Refusal to participate | Avoid confrontation. Offer a role (e.g. “You can be the demo assistant”) |
| Disruption (splashing others, ignoring) | Give clear boundary: “In water = listening zone.” Pause session if needed to reset group |
| Clinging or panic | Use floatation device, reassure child verbally, encourage slow breathing with face out of water |
| Over-confidence / unsafe behaviour | Pull aside, explain risks clearly and kindly, reinforce pool rules as a team |
Always follow up with Camp Manager or Safeguarding Lead if you have ongoing concerns about a child’s confidence or safety in water.
