Ah, swimming. That delightful mix of grace, speed, and splashing about. Are you looking to teach your little one how to doggy paddle or are you ready to conquer your fear of deep water (it’s never too late, promise!)? Virgin Active has you covered. Join Catherine Coupar, Head of Family Experiences, and Robin Raven, Virgin Active’s National Swim Manager, as we dive (pun very much intended) into how to find the best swimming lessons in South Africa!
What to look for in a swimming lesson
Choosing a gym or school for swimming lessons isn’t like choosing a pizza topping, although both can be life-changing. Before you cannonball into any swimming lesson, ask yourself your swimming goals. Are you looking to learn to swim, improve your technique, or avoid the embarrassment of being the only adult clinging to the pool ladder? It’s also important to consider whether you or your child learn better in a group or private setting.
Most importantly, our swim lessons at Virgin Active are designed to be fun. We believe that no one will want to stick around if it feels like a military drill. Our swimming lessons focus on fun and progress. We don’t want you to feel like a floundering fish out of water. We aim to make your swimming journey an enjoyable and exciting one!
How Virgin Active structures its Swim Programmes
We take swimming seriously. But not too seriously. There are no Olympic trials here (yet). Our programme is structured so that every swimmer progresses at their own pace one lesson or class at a time. We start with Parent & Baby classes, designed for tiny tots who think the bathtub is their personal ocean. From there, we move on to Pre-school classes, where splashing becomes more structured.
We use a level-based system for older children and adults, progressing from Level 1 (basic floating and breath control) to Level 7 (refined strokes and technique correction).
Why learning to swim is the ultimate life hack
Swimming isn’t just about saving yourself from looking like a flailing puppy in a pool. It’s the ultimate life hack. Think of it as a one-time investment that keeps on giving. It makes you safer around water (goodbye, embarrassing doggy paddle) and doubles as a full-body workout and a built-in stress reliever. Once you learn, you’re set for life, like riding a bike, but without the risk of scraped knees. Our certified instructors and structured lessons ensure you’re learning in a safe and supportive environment.
Helping adults enjoy swimming
Scared of water? The first step is admitting it. The second? Finding an instructor who gets it. Our friendly and caring instructors at Virgin Active ensure you feel safe, supported, and ready to make a splash. As Robin Raven says: “Yes, water is scary. It can be dangerous if you don’t know how to handle it. But once you learn to swim, it becomes one of the most pleasurable places on earth.”
Even the most water-shy individuals can learn to love swimming with guidance and courage.
When should children start swimming?
The short answer? As early as possible. Water familiarity should begin between ages 1 and 3, with a focus on getting comfortable in the water. By ages 2 and 3, children should start building confidence and learning water safety skills. Just like learning a language, swimming skills develop best when introduced early. The sooner they learn, the more natural swimming will feel!
The best way to improve swimming technique
Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect! Working with a trained instructor who can provide real-time feedback is best. Self-correcting in the water is tough, which is why following the BLABT method is key:
- Body position – Float like a pro
- Legs – Kick with purpose
- Arms – No T-Rex arms here
- Breathing – Because oxygen is kinda important
- Timing – Coordination is key
Each stroke element can have multiple imperfections. You’ll progress faster and more effectively with an instructor guiding you.
Safety first! What to look for in swimming lessons
Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to swimming lessons. Virgin Active ensures:
- Small class sizes for individual attention
- Qualified, first-aid trained instructors
- Lifebuoys and emergency buttons for added safety
- Parental supervision for younger kids
- Pool platforms and subdivided sections to suit different levels
Learning to swim should be safe, structured, and, most importantly, enjoyable!
Private vs group lessons – The ultimate showdown
Many parents think private lessons equal faster progress. Spoiler alert: not really.
Group lessons provide a more relaxed environment. Swimmers can observe, practice and develop their skills naturally in a group swimming lesson. Plus, kids would rather chat about Paw Patrol with their peers than have an intense one-on-one session with an instructor. Swimming is a social activity. So, learning with others not only prepares children for real-life water experiences but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and fun.
The biggest mistakes swimmers make
One of a swimmer’s biggest mistakes is assuming they’ll master swimming in a month. Even the best swimmers have trained for years! Another common pitfall is not swimming often enough. Consistency is more important than speed. Rushing technique also leads to bad habits. Master the basics before worrying about speed!
How parents can encourage kids to love swimming
Want your child to love swimming? Keep it fun! Don’t put pressure on immediate progress. Let them enjoy the process. While they swim, treat yourself to a coffee or a workout. Trust the instructor to do their job. Allow your child to develop their skills at their own pace. It’s a win-win.
How Virgin Active swimming lessons compare to private swim schools
Virgin Active offers structured, professionally designed programmes led by trained instructors. Unlike many private swim schools, we follow an internationally recognised curriculum with high safety standards and top-notch facilities. Having a structured approach makes all the difference when it comes to learning to swim.
Ready to make a splash yet?
Virgin Active has the right class waiting for you, whether you are a novice, a future Olympian, or just trying to find an invigorating way to stay fit. Grab your goggles and your breath because it’s time to dive head-first into a swimming pool at a Virgin Active near you.