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SOS Newsroom - Our Recent Notices
🎃 Half Term Continuation 👻
27th October 2025
Please be reminded that all lessons continue as normal over school half term periods.
Our lessons only ever pause for bank holidays or over the main end of term holiday periods of Easter, Summer & Xmas.
Many Thanks
⭐️ Swim School of the Year! ⭐️
23rd October 2025
Parents… we need you! 👇🏼
We’ve recently found out that Sink or Swim has been nominated for the Swim Wales “Swim School Award”, and we’re over the moon! 🥳
But… there’s a catch.
⏰ Nominations close at 10pm TOMORROW (24th October) and we need as many votes as possible if we’re going to claim the top spot.🥇
If you can spare just *2 minutes*, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support. 🙏
👉🏽 Nominate here:
https://www.swimwales.org/awards/
Category: Swim School Award
Thank you so much for backing us. Your support as always is greatly appreciated 💙
The Sink or Swim Team
Nominate Here🏊🏽♂️ Swimmer Progress Updates 🏅
1st October 2025
After a 7-week Summer break, we allow a three-week (around 1.5 hours of lessons) settling-in period. This gives swimmers time to get back into the rhythm of lessons before we begin reviewing and updating their progress reports.
This approach ensures we assess swimmers fairly, based on their true ability, rather than marking them down if they’re a little out of practice after the holidays.
From this week, instructors will have their poolside tablets with them again and will begin updating swimmer reports. As a general guide, you can expect to see progress updates every 3–5 lessons (around 1.5–2.5 hours of practice) over the course of the term.
If you have any questions about how progress is assessed or updated, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
🗓️ Dates For Your Diary 🗓️
1st October 2025
The Autumn terms runs continuously for 15wks from:
Monday 8th September > Friday 19th December
October Half Term
Please be reminded that our regular weekly lessons continue as normal over half term periods. In addition we also offer our BOOST intensive courses over the half-term. More information will follow in a separate notice.
Saturday Swimmers
Please note, as Fitzalan closes for the Xmas break, Saturday lessons will run for 14wks with the final session falling on Saturday 13th December.
Our Course Timetable
Course Schedule 2025/26
Term Time Lessons
Holiday BOOST Courses
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child learn to swim?
Children are typically introduced to structured swimming lessons around the age of 3.5 - 5yrs old. However, some programs offer earlier introductory aquatic experiences for babies and young children with an adult present. The earlier that a child experiences being in and around water the easier they will find it to develop their aquatic skills
What are ‘Waves’?
“Waves” are the names used to identify the different class levels or grades of ability throughout our swim programme, e.g., Wave 1, Wave 2, Wave 3, and so on. Lessons start at Wave 1 for complete beginners and progress up to Wave 8, which represents a confident and competent swimmer.
How long does it take to pass each ‘Wave’ class?
Every learner is different, some progress quicker, some slower also some classes are more demanding than others, but on average with regular and consistent attendance we find it take between 3-4 school terms to complete each wave. Approximately between 21-27 hours of practice.
Can I cancel my booking?
We don’t lock customers into fixed-term bookings. Regardless of the duration initially booked, you have the right to cancel your class at any time, subject to the following conditions:
New customer cancellation As a new customer of Sink or Swim, we treat your first 6-session period as a trial booking. If you wish to cancel for any reason during this initial period, no notice is required, your booking will be cancelled immediately, and you’ll receive a refund for the value of any remaining sessions. After your first 6 sessions, all cancellations must adhere to the General Cancellation terms outlined below.
New booking / Top-up cancellation If you’ve booked in error or your circumstances change unexpectedly, you have the right to cancel any new booking or top-up within 3 days of purchase, providing the booked period hasn’t started. In this case, you’ll receive a full refund for the value of the booking. After 3 days or once the booked period has begun, any cancellation must adhere to the General Cancellation terms outlined below.
General cancellation You have the freedom to cancel your class booking at any time without cause upon receipt of 14 days written notice. All scheduled lessons during the notice period may still be attended, and we will refund the value of any paid lessons remaining.
Prolonged medical absence In the case of an extended absence due to medical reasons, such as a broken limb, we’re happy to cancel your booking with immediate effect. The value of any remaining paid lessons will be held as credit on your swimmer’s account, which does not expire and can be later used to rebook once they’re fit to return.
For full terms regarding our cancellation policies please see our Terms & Conditions document linked on your booking confirmation email or found on our website.
What is a SAFE swimmer?
Being safe in the water is about far more than simply crossing the pool. It’s about having the right balance of technique, strength, and confidence in every stroke. Most children develop these skills by the time they complete Wave 7, which is why we consider it as the minimum goal for all our learners. At this stage, they’re not only swimming, but doing so efficiently, effectively, and with real confidence, giving you peace of mind that they’ve truly learned to swim.
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