LEARN TO SWIM WITH KA LEISURE
For parents, encouraging your child to learn to swim is one of the most important skills you will teach them. If you get children interested in swimming when they’re young there’s a good chance they’ll enjoy the water for the rest of their life and remain safe, fit and healthy.
Scottish Swimming’s Learn to Swim National Framework provides a clear set of National Standards and a pathway which allows parents to see how their child is progressing, and what this actually means in terms of their swimming ability.
Read on to learn more about the pathway or contact your local facility reception.
Booking
Portal
Online Booking is now available. Visit the link to see live updates on available spaces.
Auchenharvie
Online Booking is now available. Visit the link to see live updates on available spaces.
Garnock
New Booking Link Coming Soon
Vikingar!
New Booking Link Coming Soon
The Pathway
Children move through our progressive pathway from Pre-School to Swim Skills 1–4 to Club Ready, learning the basic skills through to water competence and technical efficiency. Please see below for details.
Early Years
Age groups are:
Adult & Baby (3 -12 months)
Adult & Toddler (12 - 24 months)
Adult & Child (24 – 42 months)
Make a splash with your little one in our fun and relaxed swimming classes! Designed for babies and young children, these classes use songs, games, and gentle activities to build water confidence and encourage safe handling from parents/guardians. With you by their side in the water, it’s the perfect way to bond while giving your child a happy, confident start to swimming.
Pre-School
For children aged 3-5 (not at school), your child will work independently learning through structured play and will develop their water confidence and ability to perform a range of aquatic skills without the support of buoyancy aids.
Exit Critera
- Enter and exit the pool safely without assistance.
- Display aquatic breathing with full submerging (blowing bubbles through mouth and nose)
- Fully submerge body.
- Demonstrate floatation on front with a buoyancy aid.
- Demonstrate floatation on front without a buoyancy aid.
- Demonstrate floatation on back with a buoyancy aid.
- Demonstrate floatation on back without a buoyancy aid.
- Demonstrate a mushroom float.
- Demonstrate streamlining on front without a buoyancy aid.
- Demonstrate streamlining on back without a buoyancy aid.
- Safely jump in without assistance.
- Demonstrate 3 different movements across the pool.
- Work effectively in a group.
Swim Skills 1
An introductory level aimed at developing water confidence of children with little/no prior experience of learning to swim. This class is for children who have started primary school and who are new to swimming or for those who are not yet swimming confidently over 3 metres unaided.
Aim
To develop water confidence and core aquatic skills without aids.
Objectives
- Develop confidence and ability to perform a wide range of core aquatic skills without buoyancy aids
- Develop the basic technique of the four strokes
- Introduce the basic technique of sculling
- Develop balance and buoyancy through a variety of activities.
Exit Critera
- Enter and Exit the pool safely without assistance.
- Demonstrate 2 types of flotation on Front (for 5 secs).
- Demonstrate 2 types of flotation on Back (for 5 secs).
- Demonstrate a mushroom float (for 5 secs).
- Show rotation from front to back without standing.
- Demonstrate repetitive bobbing for 30 seconds.
- Demonstrate a push and glide with Aquatic Breathing.
- Kick on front with a float for 10 metres.
- Kick on front without a float for 10 metres.
- Swim a minimum of 10 meters consistently demonstrating Front crawl with side breathing.
- Kick on back with a float for 10 metres
- Kick on back without a float for 10 metres.
- Swim a minimum of 10 meters consistently demonstrating Back crawl.
- Introduce breaststroke kick.
- Demonstrate a sculling action on back.
- Introduction of Butterfly Kick.
- Confident in SS2 Tank.
Swim Skills 1 (8 years +)
An introductory level aimed at developing water confidence of children with little/no prior experience of learning to swim. This class is for children 8 years and over who are new to swimming or for those who are not yet swimming confidently over 3 meters unaided.
Exit Critera
- Enter and Exit the pool safely without assistance.
- Demonstrate 2 types of flotation on Front (for 5 secs).
- Demonstrate 2 types of flotation on Back (for 5 secs).
- Demonstrate a mushroom float (for 5 secs).
- Show rotation from front to back without standing.
- Demonstrate repetitive bobbing for 30 seconds.
- Demonstrate a push and glide with Aquatic Breathing.
- Kick on front with a float for 10 metres.
- Kick on front without a float for 10 metres.
- Swim a minimum of 10 meters consistently demonstrating Front crawl with side breathing.
- Kick on back with a float for 10 metres
- Kick on back without a float for 10 metres.
- Swim a minimum of 10 meters consistently demonstrating Back crawl.
- Introduce breaststroke kick.
- Demonstrate a sculling action on back.
- Introduction of Butterfly Kick.
- Confident in SS2 Tank.
Swim Skills 2
In Swim Skills 2, children will increase the competency of the core aquatic skills and develop basic stroke technique without aids. This class is for children aged 5 years and above. This class is suitable for children who understand stroke technique and who can swim 10 metres front crawl and back crawl as well as attempting breaststroke and butterfly leg actions.
Aim
To increase the competency of the core aquatic skills and develop basic stroke technique.
Objectives
- Introduce and progress new core aquatic skills
- Develop stroke technique to include all four strokes
- Introduction to diving (pool permitting)
- Develop awareness and feel for the water through a variety of core aquatic skills.
Exit Critera
- Enter and exit the pool safely without using steps.
- Demonstrate a push and glide with leg kick for 5 metres holding streamline position.
- Kick on front for a minimum 15 meters (Without Float).
- Swim Front crawl with regular side breathing for a minimum of 15 meters.
- Kick on Back for a minimum 15 meters (Without Float).
- Swim Back crawl consistently for a minimum 15 meters.
- Demonstrate breaststroke leg and arm action for 10 meters.
- Demonstrate Butterfly leg action for 5 meters.
- Introduce Butterfly arm action.
- Scull for 10 metres headfirst on back.
- Headfirst surface to collect object on bottom of pool (minimum depth 1.2 metres).
- Confident in deeper water (SS3 Tank).
Swim Skills 3
Children who are competent at swimming 15 meters in a ‘recognisable’ stroke e.g. front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke, will be introduced to a more advanced stroke technique. Children will continue to develop a quality technique while gradually increasing distance.
Aim
To increase the competency of the core aquatic skills and develop basic stroke technique.
Objectives
- Introduce and progress new core aquatic skills
- Develop stroke technique to include all four strokes
- Introduction to diving (pool permitting)
- Develop awareness and feel for the water through a variety of core aquatic skills.
Exit Critera
- Enter and exit pool without using steps.
- Swim 25 metres Front crawl consistently maintaining correct technique.
- Swim 25 metres Backcrawl consistently maintaining correct technique.
- Demonstrate breaststroke 15 meters.
- Travel 10 metres with an undulating body action.
- Demonstrate basic butterfly technique.
- Tread water for 30 seconds waving one hand above the head to attract attention.
- Scull for 10 meters on back feet first.
- Scull for 10 meters on back headfirst.
- Somersault on Front.
- Somersault on Back.
- Basic Diving (Kneeling or Standing).
Swim Skills 4
Children who can maintain the correct technique over 25m in front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke and can demonstrate basic butterfly. Children will continue to develop a quality technique while gradually increasing distance.
Aim
To improve the quality of stroke technique, introduce multi-aquatic skills/disciplines and basic lifesaving skills.
Objectives
- To demonstrate competent technique in all four strokes
- Introduce lifesaving skills and basic aquatic discipline skills
- To provide basic skills to enable progression in to all aquatic disciplines including lifesaving.
Exit Critera
- Swim minimum 50 metres of front crawl demonstrating push and glide, competent technique with bi-lateral breathing, high elbow and reach and pull.
- Swim minimum 50 metres back crawl demonstrating push and glide, good technique, steady head position with rolling of the shoulders round the long axis.
- Swim minimum 25 metres breaststroke demonstrating push and glide, good technique, and basic undulation.
- Swim a minimum 15 metres of butterfly demonstrating push and glide, competent technique, and basic undulation.
- Perform a straddle jump & tread water for 45 seconds.
- Perform a dive with transition to any stroke.
Club Ready
Strokes, distance, and technique will be developed as well as an introduction to starts, turns, diving, racing and a club environment. Club Ready class will be an hour long session.
Aim
To improve and maintain stroke technique over distance and develop basic training and race skills producing a swimmer who is ready to progress to a swimming club.
Objectives
- Increase swimming stamina in all four strokes while maintaining technique
- Improve efficiency in all four strokes
- Develop turn technique for all four strokes
- Knowledge and understanding of club training practices in a variety of core aquatic skills.
Exit Critera
- Swim 100 metres of Front crawl. Maintain efficient technique and incorporate race skills.
- Swim 100 metres of Backcrawl. Maintain efficient technique and incorporate race skills.
- Swim 50 metres of Breaststroke. Maintain efficient technique and incorporate race skills.
- Swim 25 metres of Butterfly. Maintain efficient technique.
- Swim 100 metres Individual Medley incorporate race skills.
- Understand Lane discipline
- Understand the use of timing clock.
- Be able to demonstrate 3 different types of dives.
- Learn about the other Aquatic Disciplines.
ASN Lessons
Our ASN-specific classes are designed for children who require a little additional support in the water. While our programme is currently small, we are continually looking to grow and introduce more classes across all sites.
Each lesson lasts 30 minutes, providing focused, supportive instruction in a comfortable setting. To ensure the best experience for every child, a parent or guardian is required to be in the water alongside them. This allows our teachers to remain poolside and effectively support the entire class.
All ASN classes are kept small, with a maximum of four children per group, ensuring individual attention and a positive learning environment.
Booking please contact your local facility reception.
Adult Lessons
It’s never too late to consider learning to swim or returning to the pool after a long time away. We have lessons for all abilities that focus on what you want to achieve (swimming for health, overcoming fear of water etc) These sessions can be used for building up water confidence, learning to swim or for developing pre-existing swim skills by enhancing stroke and swim technique.
Recruitment
Interested in joining KA Leisure as a swim teacher? Please visit our recruitment page and complete the application form.
We are always looking for enthusiastic new swim teachers to join our team and help expand our lesson programme across North Ayrshire.
Framework & Scottish Swimming
At KA Leisure, we follow the new Scottish Swimming National Framework, supported by Scottish Water.
This approach ensures consistency across swim programmes within all Scottish Leisure Trusts. It also provides access to enhanced teaching resources and enables us to contribute to the wider Learn to Swim programme across Scotland.
Learn to Swim Policies
Please review our Learn to Swim policies, including our Cancellation Policy, Class Eligibility and guidance on Incorrect Bookings.
Swimming Lesson FAQ’s
What if I am new to the area and I have participated in lessons before?
Telephone reception or email us at learntoswim@kaleisure.com. If you have any information on where the child was previously such as assessment criteria or home portal information please include this in your email.
When are the re-enrolment forms distributed?
The Scottish Swimming LTS framework is based on ongoing assessment so there are no re-enrolment periods, as long as you are paying the monthly DD your child will be on the system until you decide otherwise.
How do I pay for lessons?
You will sign up to the LTS programme at the cost £29.00 per month, this guarantees 47 weeks of lessons over the course of the year. This can be cancelled at anytime by putting it writing to customerservice@kaleisure.com
How does my child progress and what options are available if they need to change class?
As assessments are ongoing, if your child meets the exit criteria to move up a level, the Teacher will give you a movers form which you can take to reception, and they will let you know the dates and times of the classes that are available to you. We cannot always guarantee that these classes will be on the same day and time as the current session you are booked but we will always try to be as accommodating as possible. To see your child’s progress please speak to reception.
When do I make payment for the next course?
Payments are taken on an ongoing basis on the first of every month. Your first payment will be prorated to the week you join.
What if I miss a payment?
If for any reason, there are no funds in your account we will attempt payment again on the 15th of the month. Failure to ensure sufficient funds are available could lead to additional administrative charges. Failure of 2 or more payments could lead to your child being removed from lessons
I am 3, 4, 5 years of age. What class should I enrol for?
If your child is 3 or 4 and not at School then they should enrol for Pre School-Level. If your Child is 5 (or 4 and already attending School) then you should re-enrol for Swim Skills 1.
Why have I not been moved up a class?
You must meet the agreed criteria for your present class before progressing to the next stage. Scottish Swimming focus on stroke technique and skill across all the different strokes. If you speak to reception or contact us, we will be able to send you a link to see your child’s progress in their current level.
Can I stay in the same class if I don’t feel I am ready to move up?
If the instructor recommends you progress to the next stage you must do so. To remain in the present class and have met the necessary criteria will only restrict your future progress.
What refunds are available should my child not complete the course or be unable to attend some sessions?
Only under very extenuating circumstances (i.e. injury or illness) and upon receipt of verification from your G.P will refunds be offered.
What if my child is unable to settle in at lessons?
It is not unusual, especially amongst children attending entry level lessons for the first time for them to feel nervous, apprehensive, or scared. Our teachers are used to dealing with this and will always try to encourage any child.
It’s my first time at lessons and the class appears unorganised?
Especially in classes with youngsters at entry level, it is often the first time they have participated in a structured group activity, 30 minutes is a long time to concentrate, and it can take kids and the class a couple of sessions to find its rhythm.
Why has my child been asked to sit out?
If a child becomes disruptive during a class, a teacher may give them a “time out” for a few moments. Lessons should be fun but misbehaviour/failure to take instruction can lead to disruption for other pupils. This is a temporary measure and is not a major issue. If we do have any lasting concerns with regards to behaviour, we will speak to parents.
At Lessons will I always have the same teacher?
Due to the very nature of these lessons, we strive to be consistent with teachers, however like any other Part Time Employee, they will be entitled to periods of leave. In these circumstances we will endeavour to provide qualified cover. If for any other reason a teachers availability changes, again we will work towards providing a new teacher, however this can result in teacher changes over the short term.
Please be aware Teachers can often change when a child progresses to the next level.
Once my child feels comfortable in the main pool why should I continue to attend the later stages of Learn to Swim?
SS3 and SS4 play an important part in developing the basic swim skills your child has acquired at the earlier stages of their swim development, these classes will ensure they will be able to build up stamina, confidence and develop their own fitness, allowing them to swim further and in all depths, further enhancing the enjoyability of swimming whilst potentially opening up the opportunity to take this life skill and utilise it for swimming in a club ready environment.
Am I required to be in the pool with my child for their lesson?
Parents are not required to be in the water with their children during lessons. If and when required our teachers will be able to go into the pool and support children in their lessons.
It is my child’s first lesson, what should I bring?
All equipment is provided all you need to bring is swimwear and goggles. These can also be bought in site please speak to reception for more information.
How long do swimming lessons last?
All our group lessons run for 30 minutes apart from our Club Ready session that is 1 hour long. Our 1-2-1 classes last for 20mins.