Swimming lessons

In line with the Prime Minister's announcement that England will move to 'Plan B' to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, face coverings must be worn in your local leisure centre from Friday 10 December 2021.

Face masks or face coverings are required for all staff and the public when in the leisure centre with certain exemptions which include anyone with a health condition or disability, and those under the age of eleven. Face coverings may only be removed while eating.

Our swimming lesson programme is suitable for all abilities, whether you are a beginner and need to develop water confidence or a swimmer looking to develop your technique. There are a number of stages to work through based on your age and ability - see Aqualearn stages and awards for more information. This is based on the Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway. 

Swimming lessons for children (birth to 16 years)

Our swimming lesson programme starts from birth, offering sessions for babies and toddlers to develop their water confidence, with parents joining in the sessions. From four years old, your child can join our swimming lesson programme which will learn them to swim independently, develop their technique and water safety skills. 

For young people we also offer Aqua Youth and Rookie Lifeguards as part of our lesson programme. 

Swimming lessons for adults (16+)

Our adult swimming lessons are for all abilities, ranging from non swimmers to improvers. 

Get swimming

This class is suitable for non swimmers and will focus on water confidence, flotation and movement. This course will work towards swimming 10 meters.

Stay swimming

This class introduces stroke technique and is suitable for people who can swim 10 meters. The course will work towards swimming 25 meters. 

Feel great swimming

This class is suitable for swimmers who can swim 25 meters and will focus on developing technique. The course will work towards swimming 100 meters. 

How much do swimming lessons cost?

Lessons cost £19 (£23 at Peterlee) per month for children and £23.50 per month for adults.

Our swimming lessons package includes one lesson per week, with unlimited access for your child to general and family swimming sessions, across our ten pools (aquafun inflatable and splash tot sessions are not included), plus a welcome pack.

Join our waiting list

Due to high demand for lessons, our swimming lesson waiting list is currently closed. We have availability for pre-school sessions at some of our Leisure centres, please contact your local centre for more information. 

Check your child's progress

The Learn to swim Home Portal helps you to keep track of your child's progress and competencies, either at home or on the go. You can check which awards and stages your child has completed and what skills they need to complete to achieve their next stage. 

If you have more than one child enrolled on the programme you will be able to add them onto your account so that you can view all of your children's progress in one place. 

If you wish to find out further information that is not available on the portal, please complete the Learn to swim Progress Request Form and your child's swim teacher will reply to you.

You can also download the Swim England Learn to Swim app as a fun way to help your child keep track of their progress. 

Additional information

Direct debit payments

Spread the cost of swimming lessons by selecting to pay by direct debit. Paying by direct debit spreads the cost monthly and no contract is required. View our Aqualearn - direct debit FAQs (PDF, 485.4kb)  for more information.

Terms and conditions

See aqualearn/Time to Swim terms and conditions.