Welcome information for Riverside swim school

Please ensure you download the Chelmsford City Sports App  for our Leisure Centres and then log into the student's ourChelmsford account, so you can scan in at the turnstiles to access the pool area. You can also book the public free swimming for the student on the app.

For lessons to run smoothly, please arrive on time. You will need to remove your outdoor shoes before you head into the changing room. We have a strict 10-minute no entry rule so if your child arrives 10 minutes or more after the start of the lesson, they will be refused entry.

Please make sure you stay on site when your child is in the swimming lessons in case we need to get in contact with you. This is must for those with children under 8 years old.

Once through to the changing rooms and you are changed and ready, you will need to head to the pool area.

The lifeguard’s will let stage 3 and up through to their lessons 5 minutes before the start time to sit by their station.

If you are in a learner pool lesson, you will need to wait by the learner pool gates and the teachers will let you through when it is time for the lessons.

Before each lesson, please make sure that your child has used the toilet and put on their free-swimming hat (Stage 1 upwards).

Our swim school requires all children to wear a swimming hat during lessons. Each Stage will require a colour coded hat for classes as follows:

• Stage 1: Red

• Stage 2: Orange

• Stage 3: Yellow

• Stage 4: Green

• Stage 5: Light Blue

• Stage 6: Dark Blue

• Stage 7: Purple

• Stage 8 and up: Black

Hats and bags will be handed to new students on their first day. Each time a stage is passed, a new hat will be issued.

We operate a strict "no hat no lesson" policy (unless a medical reason is provided). Discovery Duckling and Duckling classes are not required to wear hats. If the hat is lost there will be a £2 charge to replace the hat from reception.

We continually assess each child. Please note that we require the children to complete all outcomes of the stage they are in, but this is not the only criteria for moving a child up. We also look at the confidence of the child and the technique of all the strokes.

Our baby and toddler classes welcome little ones from four months old.

If your child is sick in the pool or fills their nappy, please tell us immediately. Please do not bring children/babies to their lesson if they have a heavy cold, tummy upset, infection or temperature.

These sessions run on various days throughout the week during term times and the three half terms; February, May and October (42 weeks of the year) and pause over school holidays.

Stage 1 (red hat)

Available for children from the age of 4 years who are at full time education for non-swimmers. The aim of this class is to build water confidence and achieve 5 metres front and back paddle. Once they have achieved this along with some skills, they will progress to Stage 2. We have assistant teachers in all these classes.

Stage 2 (orange hat)

Introducing strokes and building up water confidence. The aim of this class is to complete all the outcomes and swim 10 metres front and back. We also start to look at the techniques for the strokes.

Stage 3 (yellow hat)

We run Stage 3 lessons in the main pool, and we focus on submersion and building on stroke techniques and stamina.

Stage 4 (green hat)

Working through all the aspects of Stage 4 including the understanding buoyancy and refining the technique of all strokes.

Stage 5 (light blue hat)

Working through all aspects of Stage 5 including sculling, treading water and rotation skills. Improving on stroke technique and building up stamina.

Stage 6 (dark blue hat)

Working through all aspects of Stage 6 including developing effective swimming skills including co-ordinated breathing.

Stage 7 (purple hat)

Developing quality stroke technique over lengths, incorporating skills learnt and combing them to develop a linked routine and complete successfully an obstacle course that combines a variety of skills accomplished through Stage 1 to 7.

After stage 7, swimmers can progress onto stage 8 and 9, which is an introduction to competitive swimming. They will learn the correct turns and starts to all strokes.

This then leads onto the Rookie Lifeguard Courses. These sessions focus on water safety awareness, rescue techniques, survival skills, and teamwork, helping young people build confidence, responsibility, and practical lifesaving knowledge in a structured and engaging environment.

You can keep track of your child’s progress, manage bookings and access other services through our Home Portal.

To get started, you need to:

1. Download the Chelmsford City Sports App for iPhone or Android. The app gives you quick and easy access to all four of our leisure centres and allows you to make and manage bookings and view timetables.

2. Sign in with your Chelmsford membership credentials. Once logged in, select Swimming Pool, then Lesson Portal to see your child’s progress.

Whilst we encourage you to make the most of the Home Portal, please be aware that it only serves as a guide on what the next steps in terms of development are for your child. Our teachers are continually assessing your child to ensure that they are remaining consistent in their progression, but this may not be reflected in the home portal straight away. Use the home portal to celebrate your child’s milestones and never miss a session!