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It’s never too early or too late to learn to swim. For those wanting to start swimming we offer lessons for all age groups from babies through to adults across our 3 swimming pools. Our lessons are designed to develop confidence both in and around the water for any age and our friendly qualified teachers and instructors are there to guide you through each stage of your learning journey. From Waterbabies to competitive swimming, as the largest provider of swimming lessons in the district, we are confident that we provide quality sessions with fantastic instruction in the best facilities in the area.
Waterbabies (CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE)

Age 2½ months – 3 years
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By introducing your baby to swimming from an early age, you are starting them on a habit that will last a lifetime and teaching them an important and potentially life-saving skill. A fun and rewarding experience, Water Babies sessions help build the bond and trust between you and your baby. It’s also a great way to exercise.
The following Water Babies sessions are available at all 3 of our swimming pools:
LITTLE FLOATERS: Age: 2½ – 12 months
LITTLE SPLASHERS: Age: 12 – 24 months
LITTLE KICKERS: Age: 24 – 36 months
The Nursery

Age 3 – 5 years
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The Nursery is split into three levels based on ability and age. Each stage has been carefully designed with a balanced set of activities including swimming technique, safety skills, floating, individual and group work including songs and games. However, the emphasis remains on learning through having fun! Your child will develop their water confidence, stroke development and learn essential life-saving skills.
The following Nursery sessions are available at all 3 of our swimming pools:
STARFISH – Age: 3 – 4 Years. Ability: Beginners
TADPOLES – Age: 4 – 5 Years. Ability: Beginners
MINNOWS – Age: 4 – 5 Years. Ability: Advanced
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
The Swim School

Age 5 years +
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Pupils aged 5 and over, of all abilities, are welcome to The Swim School.
Whether your child has taken part in our Water Babies sessions or attended The Nursery classes, or have only ever splashed around with the family or on holiday, we’ll have a class that’s just right for them. Our stages cater for children who are starting from scratch to those who have a little more confidence and are already swimming independently and just need to develop their stroke. At each stage of their journey, your child will receive a certificate and badge to mark their progress through the stages and recognise their achievement.
Children are grouped by skill rather than age in the following categories:
TERRAPINS – ASA STAGE 1
TURTLES – ASA STAGE 2
MANTARAYS – ASA STAGE 3
SEALS – ASA STAGE 4
DOLPHINS – ASA STAGE 5
WHALES – ASA STAGE 6
SHARKS – ASA STAGE 7
ORCA – ASA STAGE 8
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
£27.00 per month (August FOC)
Rookie Lifeguard

Age 8 – 12 years
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Our Rookie Lifeguard sessions are great for children aged 8 – 12 looking to learn water rescue skills. They are perfect for anyone that wants to learn to be safe in and around water and also for those looking to complete a full lifeguard course in the future!
For more information:
Herons Leisure Centre – Please call Emmie on 01227 743782 or email emmie.leaver@activelifeltd.co.uk
Whitstable Swimming Pool – Please call Dale on 01227 772442 or email dale.bicker@activelifeltd.co.uk
£33.00 per month (August FOC)
£33.00 per month (August FOC)
£33.00 per month (August FOC)
£33.00 per month (August FOC)
Adult Swimming Lessons

Age 16+ years
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It’s never too late to learn how to swim! Whether you are learning to swim for the first time, wanting to improve your swim stroke technique, or training for your next triathlon, our adult swimming lessons provide fun, positive instruction for all levels and abilities.
Adult lessons are available at all three pools in group or private sessions.
Group sessions:
Herons Leisure Centre
Wednesdays at 2:00pm – 2:45pm – All abilities welcome
Price per 6 week block: Member £61.20 | Non-Member £81.00
Kingsmead Leisure Centre
Tuesdays at 7:00pm – 7:30pm (Beginners & Intermediate)
Tuesdays at 7:30pm – 8:00pm (Advanced)
Thursdays at 9:00am – 9:30am (Beginners & Intermediate)
Thursdays at 9:30am – 10:00am (Advanced)
Price for 30 minutes: Member £6.80 | Non-Member £9.00
Price for 60 minutes: Member £13.00 | Non-member £15.00
Whitstable Swimming Pool
Mondays at 6:00pm – 6:30pm – Beginners
Mondays at 6:30pm – 7:00pm – Intermediate
Mondays at 7:00pm – 7:30pm – Improvers / Advanced
Price: Member £6.80 | Non-Member £9.00
Private Lessons:
Private sessions are arranged with a swim teacher.
Please call your chosen centre to arrange a suitable day and time.
Price: Member £19.40 | Non-Member £24.00
For more information:
Kingsmead Leisure Centre – Please call Laura on 01227 812486 or email laura.green@activelifeltd.co.uk
Herons Leisure Centre – Please call Emmie on 01227 743782 or email emmie.leaver@activelifeltd.co.uk
Whitstable Swimming Pool – Please call Dale on 01227 772442 or email dale.bicker@activelifeltd.co.uk
£6.80 per 30 minute lesson (Whitstable)
£10.20 per 45 minute lesson (Kingsmead & Herons)
£6.80 per 30 minute lesson (Whitstable)
£10.20 per 45 minute lesson (Kingsmead & Herons)
£6.80 per 30 minute lesson (Whitstable)
£10.20 per 45 minute lesson (Kingsmead & Herons)
£9.00 per 30 minute lesson (Whitstable)
£13.50 per 45 minute lesson (Kingsmead & Herons)
To check your child’s Swim Academy account and progress, please click the Home Portal button below
If you require any of the Active Life Swim Academy forms or information leaflets, please download them by clicking the buttons below.
Meet The Coordinators
Competitive Swimming Clubs
Swimming News & Offers
Important changes coming to your centre
Important changes coming to your centre.
Pier to Pier Swim
Open water sea swim event success!
Pool Closures & Lesson Updates