Developing advanced swimming skills and water safety awareness

The Mini Lifeguard Academy and Lifeguard Academy are designed for confident, capable swimmers who are ready to develop advanced swimming ability alongside essential water safety and lifesaving skills.

Teaching is delivered by a qualified instructor from poolside, allowing swimmers to work independently while receiving clear guidance, supervision and structured instruction throughout each session.

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These sessions focus on building confidence, responsibility and awareness in and around water — valuable life skills that extend well beyond the pool.

 

Who are these lessons for?

This pathway is suitable for:

• Children aged 8–11 years (Mini Lifeguard Academy)

• Young people aged 10–14 years (Lifeguard Academy)

 

Swimmers entering this stage will already:

• Be able to swim 400 metres

• Have achieved the accompanying skills awards

• Show strong confidence, stamina and control in the water

 

Lessons remain supportive and structured, ensuring swimmers continue to progress safely and positively.

 

What do we focus on at this stage?

In the Mini and full Lifeguard Academies, we focus on:

• Advanced swimming technique and endurance

• Water safety awareness and personal survival skills

• Understanding responsibility in and around water

• Developing confidence, decision-making and independence

 

Progress is steady and guided, with clear expectations and encouragement throughout.

 

What badges and awards do swimmers work towards?

Swimmers in this pathway may work towards:

• 600 metre, 800 metre and 1000 metre distance awards

• Advanced Swimmer Award

• SEAL Awards (Personal Survival)

• Junior Lifeguarding Awards

• Junior Divers Awards

• Advanced Water Safety Awards

 

These awards recognise not only strong swimming ability, but also confidence, awareness and responsibility in water environments.

 

Where can swimmers progress next?

Following this pathway, swimmers may continue developing through advanced lane swimming or progress further within the Lifeguard Academy pathways, depending on their interests and ability.