Develop their skills and technique at their own pace. The lessons are designed to be fun and engaging, creating a positive and supportive environment for children to learn and grow.
Carina, the swimming instructor at Bluefish Swim School, has over 20 years of experience in teaching swimming. She is an accredited Swim England Coach and specialises in teaching children from the age of 4 upwards. Carina follows the Swim England Learn to Swim programme and Water Skills Awards, focusing on speed and distance swimming while covering the four main strokes.
Each child is assessed individually and placed in small groups to ensure personalised attention. Carina aims to improve water confidence and technique, setting targets for each child to achieve. These targets lead to the award of a badge and certificate, celebrating their achievements in the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme.
In addition to stroke technique, Carina also emphasises water safety. Children learn important skills such as how to keep safe in the water, seek help, and attract attention. Bluefish Swim School offers intensive and term time lessons to cater to different schedules.
Lessons take place during school term time, lasting for 30 minutes. During the school holidays, Bluefish Swim School also offers intensive swimming courses and the BSAC Snorkelling Course. Carina aims to quickly and safely get children swimming 10 metres in deep water, progressing them onto the Swim England Awards scheme.
Carina's passion for swimming and dedication to creating a safe and friendly environment is evident in her journey as a swimming teacher. She became motivated to teach swimming after becoming a mother herself and wanting to ensure water safety for her child. Carina's qualifications are up-to-date, and she regularly participates in continued professional development courses to enhance her teaching skills.
During the swimming lessons, children progress from basic skills like doggy-paddle to mastering the four main strokes: crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. The small group setting allows for focused learning and faster progress. The last lesson of each term is a skills and fun session, where children with their 10-metre badge or above are encouraged to use fins and practise new techniques.
At Bluefish Swim School, the priority is for each child to feel relaxed and happy in the water. By creating a supportive and enjoyable environment, Carina enables children to develop their swimming skills and gain confidence at their own pace.