IL Swim Academy

Swimming is a vital life skill that supports physical health, builds confidence, and can save lives.

At Inverclyde Leisure, we offer swimming lessons for all ages and stages, from babies just starting out to adults learning later in life. Our Swim Academy is designed to be fun, friendly, and focused on real progress, with lessons available at Waterfront Leisure Complex and Port Glasgow Swimming Pool.

All IL swim teachers are fully qualified through the STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association), and hold up-to-date safeguarding checks, so you can feel confident your child is in safe hands every time they enter the water!

Swim Academy – Early Years

Our Early Years swimming lessons are designed for babies as young as 4 months up to 3 years old, offering a gentle and supportive introduction to the water.

These sessions focus on building water confidence, developing basic movement skills, and creating a strong bond between child and parent, all through play, songs, and games!

£30.50 per month

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Early Years Levels

Adult & Baby

Starfish A

10 weeks – 1 year old

Introduces the adult and baby to the water. Develops the adult’s confidence and skills to ensure the safe handling of the baby in the water.

You will learn with your child to:

Demonstrate safe pool entries and exits
Demonstrate three progressive supports/holds in both prone and supine position
Demonstrate rotation of baby from back to front/front to back in a horizontal/vertical position
Baby’s arm and leg movements are relaxed
Baby demonstrates ease with water near/over their face and will attempt to blow bubbles

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Adult & Toddler

Starfish B

12 - 24 months

Encourages independent movement and develops toddlers’ water confidence and core aquatic skills through structured play.

You will learn with your child to:

Demonstrate an independent standing and sitting entry into the pool with an adult in the water
Independently place face in the water and blow bubbles into the water
Float on front and back with or without buoyancy aids
Rotate between front and back lying positions
Push off wall to reach adult support on front and back
Demonstrate a continuous leg action on front and back
Show front and back paddle
Exit the water safely with adult support

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Adult & Child

Starfish C

2 years –3-4 years

Further develop the core aquatic skills through structured play and develop the independence necessary for the next level.

You will learn with your child to:

Make an independent standing and sitting entry into the pool with an adult in the water, nearby but not supporting
Jump in and turn around, return to wall, monkey to steps and climb out
Exit the pool safely without using the steps
Blow an object across the surface of the water for 2 metres
With buoyancy aids, rotate 360 degrees in a vertical position
From front lying position rotate 180 degrees around horizontal axis to back lying position
Float with buoyancy aids on front and back for a minimum 5 seconds
Use arms and legs to travel in any direction for approximately 5 metres

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Swim Academy – Core Levels

Our Core swimming lessons are designed for children aged 4 years and up, providing structured teaching through nationally recognised stages.

These lessons focus on building strong swimming techniques, developing confidence and stamina in the water, and progressing key skills such as floating, breathing, and different strokes — all in a fun and supportive environment!

£30.50 per month

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Junior Levels

Stanley

Ages 3-5 years

Stanley is the perfect starting point for preschool-aged children who are ready to take their first independent steps in the pool.

Focused on water confidence, basic movement, and safety skills, this level offers a fun and supportive introduction to swimming. With engaging activities and reward badges along the way, Stanley helps build the foundations for a lifelong love of the water.

Your child will learn to:

Enter the water safely
Splash feet at water’s surface holding wall/woggle/assistant and then return to a standing position
Swim forward’s and backward’s through the water aided for 5 metres
Walk forward 2 metres and get back to side
Move through the water for 2 metres on the back, role to regain feet.
Blow a small object across the pool for 2 metres
Travel under a woggle bridge and through a shower created by a watering can
Take part in a teacher led game
Exit pool safely

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Octopus A

Aged 5 years +

Octopus A is the first step in our Swim Academy for school-aged beginners. Designed for children aged 5 and over, this level introduces the core skills needed to become confident and safe in the water.

Swimmers will learn how to enter and exit the pool safely, practice front and back paddle with support, and develop key water safety skills through fun and engaging activities. They’ll also start to explore floating, gliding, and basic movement techniques—building a solid foundation for future progress.

This level is all about gaining confidence, having fun, and learning to move independently in the water.

Your child will learn to:

Answer 2 water safety questions.
Enter the pool safely and unassisted, using the steps, ramp, swivel
Move through water, walk, hop, skip or jump
Use a woggle, swim 5m front and back paddle
Push & glide on front and back
Attempt a simultaneous circle action with legs on back for 2m, with woggle or floats
Travel under a woggle bridge, through a watering can shower
Return to standing from star float on back
Use a woggle (sea horses) to tread water with legs
Exit the pool safely and unassisted.

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Octopus B

Building on the confidence gained in Octopus A, this level focuses on developing independent swimming skills and improving technique.

Children will begin to swim short distances unaided using front and back paddle, while learning to coordinate arm and leg movements for front crawl and back crawl.

They’ll also explore breath control, underwater confidence, and safe entries, all while continuing to build strength and comfort in the water.

By the end of Octopus B, swimmers will be well on their way to swimming more independently and ready for the next stage in their swim journey.

Your child will learn to:

Answer 2 water safety questions.
Enter the pool safely with step or jump
Swim 2m front paddle, 2m back paddle unaided
Use a woggle to kick across pool while blowing bubbles
Demonstrate front crawl arm action while standing
Demonstrate back crawl arm action while standing
Push & glide on front with face in water
Push & glide on back, arms by side
Rotate from back float to front float and return to back (can use woggle)
Completely submerge and retrieve an object

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Goldfish A

Building on the confidence gained in Octopus A, this level focuses on developing independent swimming skills and improving technique.

This programme is designed to be the next stage for swimmers who have progressed through the Octopus Series.

The Goldfish series is an exciting series of 3 progressive awards expanding on skills in a fun, progressive, challenging and rewarding way.

On completion of this series, swimmers will be able to swim 15 metres without any aid as well as perform basic floats.

Your child will learn to:

Answer 2 water safety questions
Enter the water with a step or jump entry, tread water for 5 seconds, swim to poolside
Push and glide, and hold the streamlined position for 5 seconds
Push and glide, or swim to the bottom of the pool, to retrieve an object
Swim 5 metres on front, roll over and swim 5 metres on back
Perform dolphin leg kick on the front or back for 5 metres
Scull head first for 2 metres
Scull feet first, using a woggle for support
Show rhythmical breathing in front crawl for 10 metres, using a woggle or float
Swim a recognisable breaststroke for 5 metres

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Goldfish B

Goldfish B focuses on improving stroke technique, body control, and water safety awareness. Swimmers will build stamina by swimming up to 10 metres using two recognised strokes, including front crawl and back crawl.

They’ll also develop greater buoyancy and balance through floating transitions, sculling, and underwater movement. Confidence in deep water grows with skills like springing up from the pool floor, safe entries, and controlled exits.

By the end of this level, swimmers will be moving with more independence, control, and efficiency in preparation for the more advanced stages of the Swim Academy.

Your child will learn to:

Enter water with step or jump entry, swim 5m on front, swim to side and exit safely
Answer 2 water safety questions.
Perform back float, tuck to front float and return to standing position
Push & glide on back, tuck, rotate to front and return to starting point
Swim 10m recognised front stroke 1st choice
Swim 10m back crawl
Swim 5m of recognised front stroke, 2nd choice
Scull head first for 5m and feet first for 3m
Push & glide to bottom, tuck, place feet on bottom and spring up
Perform mushroom float, hold for 3 seconds, extend to front float, return to standing position

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Angelfish A

Angelfish A introduces more advanced aquatic skills, with a strong focus on technique, stamina, and water safety.

Swimmers will build strength by increasing their swim distances and learning new strokes, including lifesaving backstroke and dolphin kick without aids.

This level includes important lifesaving and survival skills, such as using a reaching aid, treading water for 30 seconds, and performing a straddle entry. Swimmers also develop body control through sculling, forward somersaults, and underwater glides.

Angelfish A helps bridge the gap between strong swimming and water competence, building confidence in deeper water with more technical challenges.

Your child will learn to:

Swim 5m of lifesaving backstroke without aids
Be rescued by a reaching aid.
Perform a straddle entry and tread water for 30 seconds. If water too shallow substitute step entry and support scull.
Push and glide into a forward somersault.
Scull head first for 5m and feet first for 5 metres.
Swim 15m of a recognised front stroke using correct breathing 1st choice
Swim 10 metres of a recognised front stroke using correct breathing 2nd choice
Swim 20m back crawl.
Swim 10m dolphin kick, without aids.
Start in a crouch position in the water, spring up, pike, glide to bottom of pool then glide to surface.

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Angelfish B

Angelfish B builds on stamina, coordination, and lifesaving ability with more advanced techniques and combinations.

Swimmers will refine their strokes with correct finishes for both front and back strokes, and improve their underwater skills through dolphin kick on the side, somersaults, and gliding challenges.

This level also enhances survival skills with tasks such as treading water in a T-shirt, performing a full 360° turn, and being rescued with a buoyant aid—all while increasing their comfort and control in the water.

By the end of Angelfish B, swimmers will be highly confident, technically capable, and well-prepared for the final Shark and Advanced levels.

Your child will learn to:

Swim 5m dolphin kick on side
Be rescued by catching a buoyant aid.
Perform a straddle entry, tread water for 30 seconds, perform a 360-degree turn in a vertical position whilst wearing a T-shirt.
Swim 5m perform a forward somersault and continue to swim forward for 5m
Swim 20m of a recognised front stroke using a correct finish 1st choice
Swim 15m of a recognised front stroke using a correct touch finish 2nd choice
Swim 20m back crawl using a correct touch finish.
Swim 5 metres on the back using a double arm action and dolphin leg kick.
Start in a crouch position in the water, spring up, pike, and glide to the bottom of the pool, tuck, place both feet on the bottom of the pool and spring up; performed in chest deep water.
Swim underwater for 5m

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Shark A

Shark A challenges swimmers to combine technical skill, endurance, and lifesaving awareness.

In this level, swimmers will complete longer distances—up to 50 metres—in recognised strokes including front crawl, backstroke, and Old English backstroke, while refining techniques like bilateral breathing and surface dives.

Swimmers will also develop practical lifesaving skills, including shout-and-signal rescues, treading water in clothing, and controlled entries and exits. This level encourages independence, stamina, and readiness for real-life water scenarios.

Shark A is a key milestone on the path to advanced swimming, giving learners the confidence and skills needed to handle more complex aquatic tasks.

Your child will learn to:

Swim 50m back stroke
Perform a shout and signal rescue to a weak swimmer 5m away
Enter the water with a slide in entry, swim 10m in a T-shirt, tread water for 30 seconds, remove T-shirt, and climb out.
Swim 5m of a recognised front stroke, perform a head first surface dive and swim 5m underwater.
Swim 5m of a recognised front stroke, perform a feet first surface dive, tuck and swim 5m underwater.
Swim 50m of a recognised front stroke 1st choice
Swim 25m of a recognised front stroke 2nd choice
Swim 25m Old English backstroke.
Swim 25m front crawl demonstrating bilateral breathing.
Perform a kneeling dive.

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Shark B

Shark B is the final stage of the core Swim Academy and is designed to test stamina, stroke mastery, and lifesaving ability.

Swimmers will demonstrate strong technique across multiple strokes—completing up to 75 metres using three recognised strokes with smooth transitions and correct turns.

This level also includes key lifesaving scenarios, such as throw and reaching rescues, swimming in clothing, underwater challenges, and survival sequences. Skills like butterfly, sidestroke, sculling, and individual medley transitions are also introduced and refined.

By the end of Shark B, swimmers will be confident, competent, and ready to progress into advanced swimming, Rookie Lifeguard, or club-level training.

Your child will learn to:

Throw a buoyant aid 3m to target point in pool
Scull head first for 20m
Swim 10m butterfly
Perform reaching rescue to casualty up to 2m from side
In T-shirt and shorts star jump entry, swim 10m of a recognised stroke, tread water for 1 minute, swim 5m of a recognised stroke, surface dive, swim 3m underwater, surface, climb outl unassisted.
Swim 75m during which the pupil performs 3 recognised strokes with a smooth transition and correct turns.
Perform a backwards somersault
Wearing a T-shirt and shorts, swim 20m sidestroke.
Perform a plunge dive and swim width of pool or 7m, in shallow water push & glide on side, roll onto back, return to surface with dolphin kick
Swim 4 x 1 width individual medley incorporating appropriate transition procedure at the end of each stroke.

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Advanced Series

(Platinum/Gold/Silver/Bronze)

Finishing the Shark stages isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning.

The Advanced Series is the final stage of Inverclyde Leisure’s Swim Academy, perfect for confident swimmers who want to keep progressing without the pressures of a club environment.

Across four levels, swimmers develop technique, stamina, and speed while learning new skills like polo crawl, synchronised swimming, and basic diving. With timed swims, stroke refinement, and fun challenges like obstacle courses, each stage builds towards the Platinum Award, the ultimate achievement in our learn-to-swim journey.

£32.50 per month

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Swim Academy – ASN Classes

Our ASN (Additional Support Needs) swimming classes are designed to help young people aged 5–16 build confidence and essential water safety skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We use the STA Rockhopper series, a progressive programme made up of 9 awards that introduce swimmers with disabilities to the joy of water. Each session is tailored to individual needs, focusing on confidence, movement, and enjoyment while gradually developing swimming technique and water safety awareness.

Join today Enquiry Form

Swim Academy - Adult

Adult Swimming Lessons – £34.50/month

It’s never too late to learn to swim or improve your technique. Our Adult Swimming Lessons are designed for complete beginners and those looking to become more confident and capable in the water.

Lessons are grouped into two levels:

Adult Beginner

Perfect for: Adults with little to no swimming experience.

Goal: Build water confidence and learn essential aquatic skills using buoyancy aids where needed.

You’ll learn how to:

Enter and exit the pool safely
Breathe confidently while fully submerged
Float and streamline on front and back
Travel 5 metres unaided
Push and glide
Kick with a float for 10 metres

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Adult Improver

Perfect for: Those ready to build technique and swim without aids.

Goal: Improve stamina and stroke technique across multiple strokes.

You’ll learn how to:

Push and glide with kick in streamline position
Swim front crawl with correct breathing (15m)
Swim backstroke confidently (15m)
Demonstrate breaststroke leg kick
Perform sculling, surface dives, treading water, and rotations

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Private Swimming Lessons

Looking for more focused support in the pool? Our 1-to-1 private swimming lessons offer personalised coaching to help you or your child progress quickly and confidently, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine technique.

Private lessons are ideal for:

Beginners needing extra support
Nervous swimmers building confidence
Individuals working on specific stroke development
Swimmers preparing for assessments or challenges
Please note: Due to high demand, we currently operate a waiting list for private swimming lessons.

Want to join the waiting list?

Complete our quick enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch when a space becomes available.

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Rookie Lifeguard

Our Rookie Lifeguard programme teaches essential water safety, rescue and survival skills through fun, engaging activities, ideal for children who want to build confidence and independence in the water.

Running alongside regular swim lessons, the course starts at Bronze Stage 1 and progresses to Gold Stage 3, gradually introducing skills like lifesaving tows, teamwork and personal safety.

It’s the perfect way to inspire young swimmers while helping them stay safe around water!

For further information:

RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Programme Rookie Lifeguard Video

*There is currently no Rookie Lifeguard courses scheduled.

See Available Courses

Intensive Swimming Lessons

Fast-track your child’s swimming progress with our Intensive Swim Courses, available to book online during the Easter, Summer, and October school holidays.

These short, focused courses run over several consecutive days and are perfect for:

Beginners starting their swimming journey
Children ready to move up a level
Boosting water confidence quickly
Improving technique in a supportive setting

Led by our qualified instructors, each course is designed to accelerate learning in a fun, structured environment, helping your child gain confidence and progress faster.

Available at selected pools – limited spaces available.

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Why we’re different

Our fun and friendly approach to teaching swimming will leave your child excited to come to swimming lessons, feeling secure in the environment and learning from our skilled teachers who adapt their teaching styles depending on the students learning styles. We really do put your children first and invest in our teachers, so you know you’re getting a first-rate swimming lesson every time.

Home Portal

Check your child’s progress, see what badges they’ve achieved and top up your swimming lessons on the home portal.

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IL Swim Academy

Swim Academy – Early Years

Early Years Levels

Swim Academy – Core Levels

Junior Levels

Advanced Series

Swim Academy – ASN Classes

Swim Academy - Adult

Adult Beginner

Adult Improver

Private Swimming Lessons

Rookie Lifeguard

Intensive Swimming Lessons

Why we’re different

Home Portal

Swim Academy

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