Here is a simple breakdown of our classes and the ability levels required to join them.
Beginner Improver Intermediate Advanced Challenger Explorer
Beginner
Note: These classes are for children aged 4+
To check the age ranges of different classes, please see our Award Scheme
Eel 1
- Complete Beginner - No experience.
Eel 2
- Swim 5m (front and back) with or without buoyancy aids
-
Blowing bubbles
- Comfortable with water on face
- Demonstrates propulsion in water (even if stop/start)
Eel 3
- Swim 6m front/back - continuous movement, with or without buoyancy aids
- Retrieve an object from pool floor
- Arms and legs move in a circular motion
Improver
Pufferfish 1-3
-
Swim 10m front/back with arms clearly coming out of the water, without buoyancy aids
- Show very basic breaststroke ability
Pufferfish are mixed ability classes covering stages 1-3. Swimmers are likely to stay at this level for longer than the separate Eel levels.
Puffer fish transitions swimmers from swimming widths to lengths.
Intermediate
Rockfish 1-3
- Swim 25m front/back
- Demonstrate breathing technique for front crawl
- Perform butterfly legs for 10m
- Tread water for 15 seconds
Rockfish is mixed ability covering stages 1-3
Advanced
Stingray 1-2
- Swim 150m (approx. 6 lengths) front, back and breast
- Demonstrate turns and finishes
- Swim 50m butterfly
Challenger
Salmon 1-3
- Swim 250m front, back and breast
- Demonstrate turns and finishes
- Swim 50m butterfly
Explorer
Barracuda 1-3
- Swim 900m continuously, split 3x300 across front, back and breast.
- Speed swim 50m in 60 seconds
Barracuda covers 3 stages and is aimed at aspiring Lifeguards.