From Beginner to Pro: Levels at Col Jones Swim Tempe
Swimming is a valuable skill that can be enjoyed at any age. At Col Jones Swim Tempe, we believe in nurturing swimmers from their first splash to becoming confident and skilled athletes. Our swim school is designed to guide children and adults through various levels of swimming, ensuring they gain the essential skills and confidence needed at each stage.
Our facility features state-of-the-art heated pools tailored to different learning levels, including a Small Beginner Pool, a Teaching Improver Pool, and a 25-metre Lap Pool. This allows us to provide the best environment for swimmers to thrive at their own pace. Each level of our swim school focuses on building specific skills and techniques, making the journey from beginner to pro both fun and effective.
Water safety is a core part of our program, along with recycling initiatives to minimise environmental impact. We aim to create a well-rounded experience that goes beyond just swimming lessons. Our commitment to the community has been a cornerstone since we opened our doors in 1973. Now, over 50 years later, we continue to teach and inspire the next generation of swimmers, one stroke at a time.
Beginner Level: Building the Basics
At the Beginner Level, we focus on helping new swimmers build fundamental skills and gain comfort in the water. Classes are held in our Small Beginner Pool, which is heated to provide a cosy and inviting environment. Here, children start by learning to blow bubbles and put their faces in the water, which helps them get used to the feel of the water.
Next, we introduce floating. Floating on their back and front are basic skills essential for water safety and building confidence. Children learn to float independently, giving them a sense of achievement and control in the water. We also teach basic kicks and arm movements, allowing kids to start moving through the water with some supervision.
Another crucial aspect of the Beginner Level is safety education. Kids learn how to enter and exit the pool safely using ladders and steps. They get familiar with pool rules, which helps prevent accidents. Our instructors also teach them to be aware of their surroundings, making them attentive to potential hazards.
Games and activities are a big part of our lessons at this level. By incorporating fun into the lessons, we keep kids engaged and excited about coming to class. This approach makes it easier for them to learn and remember the skills they are being taught.
Intermediate Level: Enhancing Skills and Confidence
Once swimmers are comfortable with the basics, they move on to the Intermediate Level. Lessons are conducted in our Teaching Improver Pool, designed for more advanced practice. Here, we focus on enhancing the essential skills learned in the Beginner Level and starting to introduce new techniques.
At this stage, children start learning proper strokes such as freestyle and backstroke. They practise coordination between their arms and legs to swim more efficiently. We also begin to introduce rhythmic breathing, helping them swim longer distances without getting exhausted.
Building confidence is key at the Intermediate Level. Kids practise diving into the pool and swimming through hoops to improve their agility. We also introduce them to floating in deeper water, so they become more comfortable in different depths. Safety remains a priority, with continuous reinforcement of pool rules and safe swimming practices.
We also incorporate more structured swimming exercises. Timed laps and relays make the lessons engaging and help kids focus on improving speed and technique. The goal is to make them more confident and capable in the water.
Our instructors remain supportive, providing personalised feedback and encouragement. This ensures that each child progresses at their own pace while feeling confident in their abilities. At the end of this level, swimmers are prepared to tackle more advanced techniques and longer distances.
Advanced Level: Mastering Techniques and Stamina
In the Advanced Level, we focus on refining swimming techniques and building stamina. Lessons move to our 25-metre Lap Pool, where children get a chance to practise and perfect their swimming strokes over longer distances. This pool is ideal for developing form strokes and preparing for more intensive training.
At this stage, swimmers fine-tune their freestyle and backstroke techniques and learn additional strokes like breaststroke and butterfly. Proper technique is emphasised to ensure efficient and graceful swimming. We also work on improving the timing and coordination of breathing, kicks, and arm movements.
Building stamina is another core focus at this level. Swimmers engage in endurance exercises, practising longer distances without breaks. This helps them build the physical strength needed for competitive swimming. Timed laps and regular drills ensure that swimmers can maintain their form even when tired.
Starts and turns become important skills at the Advanced Level. Swimmers learn to execute flip turns and perfect their dive starts, which are essential for competitive performance. These techniques are practised repeatedly to ensure they become second nature.
Instructors provide personalised drills and feedback to help each swimmer improve. By the end of this level, swimmers are well-prepared for the physical demands and technical skills required for advanced training or competing.
Pro Level: Preparing for Competitions and Lifelong Fitness
The Pro Level is designed for those ready to take their swimming to the next level, whether for competition or personal fitness. At this stage, all training takes place in the 25-metre Lap Pool, focusing on high-intensity workouts and advanced techniques.
Swimmers learn race strategies and pacing, helping them compete effectively in various events. We also cover techniques for improving race starts and finishes, which can make a significant difference in competitive times. Practice sessions include mock races to simulate actual competition conditions.
Swimmers also focus on specialised training for different swim strokes to optimise their performance. This includes strength and conditioning exercises tailored to improve swimming power and endurance. Attention to detail in form and technique ensures that swimmers can maintain high performance levels throughout their events.
Besides competition preparation, this level also emphasises the importance of swimming as a lifelong fitness activity. Swimmers learn the benefits of incorporating swimming into their regular fitness routine for overall health. This includes understanding how to modify workouts to prevent injuries and promote long-term fitness.
The Pro Level nurtures swimmers to become well-rounded athletes. By the end of this stage, they possess the skills, stamina, and strategic knowledge to compete at higher levels or maintain strong personal fitness.
Conclusion
From the moment a child steps into our Small Beginner Pool to when they swim competitively in our 25-metre Lap Pool, Col Jones Swim Tempe is committed to developing capable and confident swimmers. Our step-by-step approach ensures that each child builds a strong foundation before moving to more advanced skills.
The emphasis on water safety at every level helps children understand the importance of being careful while enjoying the water. Recycling and environmental efforts make us mindful of our impact, teaching kids the value of sustainability. Constant communication and excellent customer service ensure families stay informed and engaged throughout their child's swimming journey.
Ready to help your child become a confident swimmer? Contact us at Col Jones Swim Tempe and see the difference our comprehensive
swimming program can make. Dive into our world of swimming excellence today!
