Down Leisure Centre Swim Academy Launched

On Wednesday 12 August 2015, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Naomi Bailie launched the new Down Leisure Centre Swim Academy. An innovative partnership between the Council and the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA), this new academy has many benefits for current and prospective pupils and their families. The Academy will be implementing the STA’s International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP). The ILSP incorporates fun activities, skills development and water safety awareness in a structured programme The programme aims to provide a complete progressive route for learners of all ages to advance from their first experiences in water through to becoming safe, proficient swimmers. The scheme builds on the knowledge and skills development at each level and rewards achievement through a range of exciting awards, certificates and accredited badges.

Speaking at the launch Cllr Bailie commented, “With the recent public interest in the changes to our swimming lessons, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is confident that local citizens will be happy with the new scheme. The new academy provides additional classes and a reduction in the teacher to pupil ratio, therefore delivering improved quality tuition. It is our aim to provide affordable and accessible classes for all current and prospective swimmers in our district and we have maintained our current price level to achieve this.” The Academy will offer a free Individual STA Success Tracker and Certificate to all participants. All current participants can pre-register for the forthcoming term of classes; new participants will be assessed and assigned to the class suitable for their level.

Swim Academy Enrolment 2015
Complete Beginners - Enrolment: Thursday 27 August at 11am.
Classes Stanley Level 1/2 Learner Pool (Old-Mini Duck) and Octopus Main Pool (Old-Level 1).
New Pupils (Assessment Required) - Enrolment for Assessments: Thursday 27 August at 11am.
Stanley Level 3/4 (Old-Duckling), Stanley Level 5/6 (Old-Super Duckling),
Stanley Level 7 (Old-levels 2, 3 and 4).
Following your assessment you can book into your class depending on availability.