Harlow Penguins Swim School
Harlow Penguins provides an outstanding swim school that follows the Swim England "Learn to Swim" Programme.
The Swim England Learn to Swim Programme is the leading national teaching syllabus for delivering safe, inclusive and effective swimming lessons for all ages.
The structured and progressive content is based on a game games-led approach to ensure children enjoy learning. The programme provides motivation and support for children at every level- from their first splash to gaining their enhanced aquatic skills.
For all swim school enquiries please email our Head of Swim School, Nicola Arnold on [email protected] including your contact details, your child's age and their swim capability.
Shallow Water Groups
Otters 
The Otter group is the beginner level at our swim school where they will be introduced to all aspects of the water, concentrating on having fun whilst learning. We accept children from 5 years old.
Our Otters wear a yellow hat and are working towards achieving Stages 1 and 2.
Seals 
The Seal group is still in shallow water. Your swimmer will have passed Stage 2 and be able to swim 5 metres on their front and back. Enjoying the water is still important but there will be more concentration on stroke technique and body position. Children will be able to swim without support and will be introduced to a breaststroke leg kick.
Our Seals wear a white hat and are working towards achieving Stage 3.
Deep Water Groups
Turtles 
The Turtle group swim widths in the deep end. Your swimmer will have passed Stage 3 and will be able to swim 10 metres front crawl and backstroke. Our Turtles will focus on gaining confidence in deep water, perfecting their leg kicks for all four strokes and further developing their push and glide, while also being introduced to sculling.
Our Turtles wear a green hat and are working towards achieving Stage 4.
Dolphins 
The Dolphin group still swim widths in the deep end. Your swimmer will have passed Stage 4 and be able to swim 25 metres. Swimmers will develop their skills in treading water, learn the current arm pulls for all four strokes and learn how to do handstands and somersaults in the water, as well as building up their stamina in preparation for swimming lengths.
Our Dolphins wear a blue hat and are working towards achieving Stage 5
Length Classes
Sharks 
The Shark group swim lengths of the pool. Your child will now be a confident, fairly strong swimmer. The group will learn how to prepare for exercise, while developing an efficient technique for all four strokes and further developing surface dives. The effective swimming skills taught include coordination, breathing and an understanding of water safety,
Our Sharks wear a red hat and are working towards achieving Stage 6.
Stingrays 
The Stingray class lengths of the pool, this group will be strong swimmers and will focus on fully developing all four swimming strokes, as well as building stamina and improving diving skills
Our Stingrays wear an orange hat and are working towards achieving Stage 7.
Killer Whales 
This is the top group of our swim school. Your swimmer would have achieved Stage 7 and be able to swim all 4 strokes to the Swim England expected standard. Swimmers will learn sprint techniques, starts and turns. They will work on stamina and efficient stroke technique.
Our Killer Whales wear a gold hat and are working towards achieving Stage 9 or 10.
