From aquababies to aquakids - aqualearn is a journey that takes babies, tots and kids from non-swimmers to youngsters who are confident and safe in the water. 

aqualearn is based on the Amateur Swimming Association's (ASA) British Gas Learn to Swim Pathway and follows seven steps. By the end, youngsters will have mastered all four swimming strokes, developed stamina and have basic water and personal safety skills. Swimming pools that deliver aqualearn are:

• Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre
• Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre
• Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
• Spennymoor Leisure Centre
• Teesdale Leisure Centre
• Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex

aqualearn includes swimming lessons and unlimited access to public swimming sessions for your child, plus a welcome pack. Bank holidays have been removed from the price to take away the inconvenience of refunds.

Continuous programme

We understand that every child is an individual, our continuous programme means that children will progress through the programme at their own pace. There are no set enrolment or re-enrolment periods.

We have introduced a full swimming development pathway to ensure your child receives progression steps from birth through to adult. Your child can achieve awards along the way to reflect their success at each step.

We recognise that children learn and develop skills through play. Our teachers receive continuous training to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons using imaginative games and aqua-equipment. Fun is at the heart of what we do.

Awards

Your child can achieve awards along their swimmer's journey to reflect their success at each step.

Cancelled lessons

There are currently no in-advance lesson cancellations. Please follow us on social media to keep up to date with lesson cancellations.

Direct Debit payments

Spread the cost of your child's swimming lessons by selecting to pay by Direct Debit. Choosing this option removes the inconvenience of queuing at reception when payments are due. Paying by Direct Debit spreads the cost monthly rather than a lump-sum payment each quarter and not contract is required. To find out more about paying by Direct Debit view our FAQ's in document downloads.

How to book your child a place

If you wish to enrol your child on to the aqualearn programme, please complete the form or collect one from one of our participating swimming pools. Please ensure you bring a form of proof of address ID and payment method, as lessons must be booked and paid for at the same time.

I'd like to contact my child's swimming teacher or swimming development officer

If your child is already learning to swim with us and you wish to find out further information that our reception staff may not be able to answer directly, please complete the form and hand in at reception.

Terms and conditions

Leisure voucher

• can not be used against swimming lessons due to administrative restrictions
• can be used as part payment
• no change or credit carry over will be given
• can be transferred to friends and family

General and family swim aqualearn members

Any member of the aqualearn programme including aqua babies, aqua tots, aquakids, aqua youth, rookie lifeguarding and aqua adults are entitled to go into any general swimming session in any of the 6 pools for free. Any accompanying adult must pay the applicable entry fees. Exception applies to carers or parents who are carers of those children eligible for free swimming. 

• applicable to general swim sessions only
• aqua fun- inflatable sessions are excluded
• splash tots sessions are excluded
• can only be used at all 6 Durham county council swimming pools
• not transferable
• admissions policy applies
• value cannot be discounted from any other product (i.e parties, family swim tickets etc)

My aqualearn - private swimming lessons

If you would like to top up your swimming skills or maybe improve one of your swimming strokes then why not book some private My aqualearn swimming lessons. Download and complete the My aqualearn expression of interest form and hand it in at reception at your local Swimming pool.

If the aqualearn class you are looking for is full, you can apply to be on the waiting list via our  Aqualearn waiting list application form (PDF, 87.1kb)