SWIM YORK swimming lessons at Edmund Wilson and Yearsley Swimming Pools are being restructured to deliver new improvements after the Easter holidays.

The swimming lessons have always been designed to complement the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) National Teaching Plan. They start with ducklings sessions for children aged 6 months and over, progressing through levels one to nine and are followed by additional courses such as lifesaving and coaching.  Over 1,500 children learn to swim each year at these two swimming pools.

Starting after Easter, each course will be a standard 12 weeks long, rather than the length of a school term, which can vary greatly.  This will help lesson planning for each level and  standardised lesson plans will now be followed by swimming teachers at both Edmund Wilson Swimming Pool and Yearsley Swimming Pool for each course. 

Simon Luck, manager of Yearsley Swimming Pool, said: "The new terms will not only help the delivery of swimming teaching and the progressive development of children through the levels, but each course will cost the same, which will help parents to budget for the activities."

Teacher to pupil ratios will increased by using assistant teachers in class and the new assistants will be invaluable in demonstrating strokes in the water, or giving individual assistance to those who need it. 

All the swimming teachers hold at least the ASA Level Two teaching qualification with assistant swimming teachers qualified to a minimum ASA Level One.  All are experienced in teaching children to swim and are supported by lifeguards on the poolside throughout the lessons ensuring a very safe environment to learn to swim.

Pupils will be taught all strokes from Level 1, rather than introducing different strokes as they progress with their courses.  This will help increase confidence in the water and assist in establishing correct stroke technique earlier on.

Ian McCoulough, manager of Edmund Wilson Swimming Pool, said: "Children get unlimited free swimming at either pool whilst enrolled on our courses which allows them to practice what they're learning outside lesson time and makes courses excellent value for money."

Enrolment for the next course of swimming lessons (for new pupils - adults and children) is taking place now at Yearsley Swimming Pool and from Monday 2 April at Edmund Wilson Swimming Pool.  Courses will start week commencing 16 April.  Anyone who is unsure of what level they or their child is at can have a free swimming lesson assessment.

To book or for further information about swimming lessons call in to the reception at either pool or call 01904 552424.