Learn 2 Swim Stages
Stage 1
Water Beginnings & Fun Moves
Perfect for children new to the water, this stage introduces safe entry, basic movement, and water awareness—with or without floats. Kids will move forwards, backwards, and sideways for 5 metres, learn to wash their face, enjoy overhead showers, float on front and back (and return to standing), glide from the wall, and get familiar with pool rules. Completing this stage builds essential water comfort.
To go on this stage children need to be attending school.
Stage 2
Confidence Building & Gliding
Time to take the plunge! Stage 2 activities include jumping safely into the pool, blowing rhythmic bubbles while submerged, independent front/back floats returning to standing, glides on both front and back, and basic rotations like log rolls and tucks. Plus, children work toward exiting the water independently.
To go on this stage children need to be able to float on front and back for 10 seconds without armbands and travel 3 metres without putting feet down.
Stage 3
Submersion Skills & Distance
This stage elevates skills with safe pool jumps, dives to the bottom, streamlined pushes, and gliding on both the front and back. Swimmers will learn to travel 10m, perform tuck floats, and retrieve objects while submerged. Crucially, they’ll also identify three of the four key water safety messages, building both skill and safety awareness.
To go on this stage children need to be able to swim 5 metres in the main pool without armbands on front and back.
Stage 4
Stroke Foundations & Coordination
Stage 4 turns focus toward stroke technique and coordination. Kids will practice kicks for all four strokes (backstroke, front crawl, butterfly, breaststroke), learn sculling, perfect log rolls, and swim a short distance using their chosen stroke. A great blend of movement, rhythm, and technique!
To go on this stage children need to be able to swim 15 metres in a range of strokes in deep water.
Stage 5
Sculling, Treading & Aquatic Agility
Here’s where things get dynamic. Swimmers master stationary sculling, partner sculling with rotation, and treading water for 30 seconds. They’ll perform shaped jumps into deep water, execute front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly glides, plus show off a handstand and forward somersault—all while demonstrating how to get help safely.
To go on this stage children need to be able to swim 50 metres in deep water. Before booking onto this stage please contact Learn2swim@blackpool.gov.uk to arrange an assessment.
Stage 6
Clothed Swimming & Rescues
Stage 6 introduces real-world skills. Children will learn preparation for exercise, swim on side into both front crawl and backstroke, and swim 10 m in clothes. They’ll master all four strokes with rhythmic breathing and complete a 25 m optional-stroke swim. Water safety steps take a bigger role – “shout and signal” rescues and surface dives included.
To go on this stage children need to be able to swim 100 metres in deep water. Before booking onto this stage please contact Learn2swim@blackpool.gov.uk to arrange an assessment.
Stage 7
Stamina, Stroke Variety & Challenges
The final stage is all about endurance, advanced technique, and group coordination. Swimmers complete 25 m of each stroke, perform movement sequences combining sculling, floating, rotations, and eggbeater skills, do a sitting dive, swim 50 m in one stroke, and 100 m using three strokes. They’ll tread water using eggbeater kicks for 30 seconds and navigate an obstacle course – all to help them swim smart, safely, and confidently.
To go on this stage children need to be able to swim 400 metres in deep water. Before booking onto this stage please contact Learn2swim@blackpool.gov.uk to arrange an assessment.
Junior SwimFit
Junior SwimFit offers an alternative water-based session for those who want to work on their health, fitness, endurance, strength and stamina.
The 45-minute sessions include a warmup, main activity and cool down as well as contrasting activities to improve overall fitness and swimming skills and add an element of fun and challenge.
To attend Junior SwimFit swimmers must be aged over 8 and have achieved the Swim England Learn to Swim Stage 5 award or equivalent.
