Due to the unforeseen circumstances we ask you to please get changed, before and after, away from the beach. This is to reduce infection risk from loitering as groups arrive and leave. Please also meet on the beach by the PeteWilbyTriathlOn and Swimathon flags at the start of the session. When you book, declare you and your junior has not had any COVID-19 symptoms. Please also be prepared to maintain a safe (1m+) distance from staff and other participants during the session and whilst you watch from the beach. Steps have been taken to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19 whilst we are still able to provide emergency support in the water.

There are both theory and practical elements to the level one course and we adjust the course to the individual young people and continue with a dry side focus if the conditions are ever dangerous. However, we do not have enough time to complete the entire course so will not deliver certificates this year.

On the team of staff are qualified lifeguards and swim coaches who are both experienced at working with young people as well as coaching in open water.

The level one course is aimed at the FUNDAMENTALS of open water swimming and is mainly game based.

Below is the syllabus we follow:

DRY SIDE:

1. Identify three essential items of open water swimming equipment.

2. Provide three correct answers to questions about the correct use of wetsuits.

3. Identify how a wetsuit affects your swimming and body position.

4. Identify three potential hazards when swimming in open water.

IN THE SEA:

1. Enter the water safely.

2. Demonstrate acclimatisation in cold water.

3. Swim 200 metres of either front crawl or breaststroke.

4. Demonstrate an action to get help.

5. Exit the water safely.