Strokes Swimming Lessons

Strokes Swimming Lessons for All

Shortcut to this page: www.birmingham.gov.uk/strokes

Learning to swim is a vital part of a child’s development.

And Strokes makes it fun!

Welcome to Birmingham’s swimming instruction programme. We offer a comprehensive range of swimming lessons from baby’s first introduction to water right through to the age of 16 and beyond. Each course runs for 12 weeks and many pools offer additional short courses during school holidays.

Strokes offers affordable, effective tuition from professional, caring instructors – in a safe and friendly environment. All teachers are fully-qualified and accredited by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) or the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) and the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), according to the class they teach.

The following is an outline of the stages of each level of swimming lessons:

Mini Strokes (Spash Awards)	For babies and toddlers who love to play in the water. Each child must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. Parents develop the skills to give their children confidence in the water.
First Strokes (Splash Awards)	For children from three years to pre-school age. Children learn through play in small groups with an instructor in the water with them.
Junior Strokes	Children of school age who are able to follow instructions. Children start off in shallow water and begin to develop the recognised strokes – front crawl, back crawl, breast stroke, and later, butterfly. Progression through a series of levels in Junior Strokes will help children build their confidence, swim in deep water, develop their technique and improve their stamina.
Junior Options	For children who are confident in deep water and able to swim 100 metres effectively, submerge fully and tread water. Competent swimmers can learn new skills: Rookie Lifeguard, Survival Award, Performance Awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold, Water Polo or Synchronised Swimming.
Junior Coaching	For children able to swim 400 metres effectively in deep water. This develops racing techniques and improves stamina and fitness. Children may work through the Performance Awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Opportunities to join a swimming club.
Adult Strokes	Whatever your age, it is never too late to learn to swim.

Premier Strokes is for anyone who would benefit from more intensive teaching. Lessons in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis are also available at some pools.

For more information, contact your local swimming pool.

Children’s Lessons

Children develop at their own pace, so whether you opt for inexpensive group lessons or one-to-one tuition, Strokes will help your child reach their full potential.

Throughout the Strokes programme, pupils work towards achieving badges and certificates. They can also work for specific awards in distance, survival and water safety. Certificates and badges are available for purchase at reception and can be displayed in the Strokes Progression Folder.

Any child on a Strokes course can swim for free at any city council pool, as often as they like.

Adult Lessons

Adults can also learn to swim or improve their technique with Strokes. Adults on a Strokes course can swim for free at any council-run pool.

Choosing the right course

The table above should help you to identify the ideal class for you or your child. Each leisure centre has its own timetable – please check for details. Once you have selected the most suitable class, along with your preferred day and time, complete an application form at your local swimming pool.

If you or your child has any illness or specific needs, please advise reception at the time of booking. This will not affect your booking in any way.

Booking a Course

Strokes swimming lessons run quarterly throughout the year. Each course lasts for 12 weeks, with a break for Easter and Christmas and many pools offer additional short courses during school holidays.

When you, or your child, join a course, you will need a Leisure Card. To book a course, you will need to go to your local leisure centre and complete an application form. Check at your local centre for the start date of the next course and the days and times when lessons are on offer. Prices are available from your local swimming pool.

You will also be entitled to priority re-enrolment on any subsequent courses. Re-enrolment takes place during weeks 8, 9 and 10. Please make sure you enrol on your next course in good time to ensure your place. Please bring your Leisure Card at the time of enrolling.

All those booked on a course can swim for free during general swimming sessions.

Disabled People

Disabled people can access our mainstream Strokes swimming lessons. These classes are suitable for disabled people and those with learning disabilities. Please contact reception to discuss your needs and we will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs.

For further advice or information, please contact your local swimming pool.