Elliot is a great example for any of us who are slightly more nervous, to find a way to overcome their fears. After both Elliott and his Dad had separate bad experiences in a swimming pool on holiday they were determined to learn those life-saving skills that are so important for children to have. Elliott was three years old when he started at Aquatots and although he was happy to play on the surface and could hold his breath when he needed to, he was clearly uncomfortable going under the water and so we took it very slowly, playing lots of games and encouraging Elliott to build up his confidence. By the end of his first term we figured out that it was actually the water irritating Elliott's eyes that was bothering him; then came the task of encouraging him to wear goggles! This can be tricky but we spent another half a term showing Elliott how to do this safely and comfortably and then hey-presto! Suddenly Elliott's underwater world was crystal clear! Now Elliott is happily swimming in Level 8 and spends more time underwater than on top with a snazzy pair of goggles, but most importantly he's learning all those skills he needs to stay safe in the water. Well done Elliott!"

Saxon Forde has already had a special mention in our newsletter for his brilliant swimming and transition from foundation lessons into our main programme! He is such a confident boy who tries really hard and works so well with Dad every lesson! It's actually been extra challenging for Saxon recently, as he is so tall, it's such a temptation for him to put his feet on the bottom of the pool when doing his swims! To his credit though he tries really hard not to and recently blew us all away when he completed his 5m swim independently. I frequently hear "Dad, don't hold me, I can do it on my own" coming from Saxon! Such an independent little man, who has used that confidence and hard work to achieve his 5m swim at only level 11. This is a fantastic achievement for any level 11 swimmer but to have come from the foundation programme and had limited experience with our swim skills is just incredible! Well done Saxon! Foundation teacher Susie, current teacher Kate and Dad are beaming with pride!"

Lottie Chamberlain and Amelie Pearce transitioned from a few terms in the foundation programme where they built their water confidence and familiarity with some of our skills. We then moved the girls together into Level 9 to see how they would cope. Well all that can be said is WOW ! It has been an absolute pleasure to witness the growth in confidence in these girls and development in their skill levels! Moving straight into the toddler levels is challenging and both girls have done so well with this. The girls regularly surprise their mums by completing skills with such effort and confidence! Both star swimmers for sure! We look forward to seeing that confidence continue to grow and hopefully report on their 5m successes in the near future too!