How Swim Generation Coaches Assess and Progress Swimmers

Every swimmer who comes to Swim Generation is thoroughly assessed using a range of criteria to accurately gauge their confidence and swimming abilities. Our highly qualified and experienced coaches use these criteria to assess swimmers from beginners through to advanced levels. Since 2012, Swim Generation coaches have assessed and taught thousands of swimmers ranging from nervous first-time beginners to pre-squad athletes preparing for competitive swimming. In this article, we will explain exactly how this process works and how an effective assessment and progression programme helps ensure smooth and steady progress.

Why accurate assessment and steady progression matter

Effectively assessing swimmers through reasoned progression is a key element of the Swim Generation philosophy. Evaluations are conducted by vetted, STA or Swim England-qualified instructors who hold National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications (NPLQ) or National Rescue Awards. It is vital that assessments are accurate and swimmers are placed in their appropriate stage level. Our guidelines are based on 15 years of operating as a swim school and on guidelines provided by Swim England and the STA. Below are issues that could arise when this process is not conducted properly.

1) Anxiety issues can arise if swimmers are placed in classes that are too advanced and are struggling to perform complex techniques or complete tasks.

2) Conversely, if swimmers are placed in a class that is too easy, they become bored and learn no new skills.

3) Inaccurate assessments can lead to incorrect training or to issues being missed. We have experienced this with new students whose incorrect techniques have become semi-ingrained because they have not been previously identified and corrected.

4) Failure to meet benchmarks due to slow progress.

5) It can lead to a lack of trust and frustration among both swimmers and their parents, as a professional swim school should be able to properly assess their swimmers.

The Swim Generation Initial Assessment Process

Our structured, personalised, and transparent process is outlined in the table below.

Note: A six-year-old swimmer often arrives able to put their face in the water but unable to float independently. During their first lesson, our coach would assess the following areas to gain a full understanding and identify the most appropriate starting stage.

1) Their confidence in water.
2) The ability to float on their back and front.
3) Comfort with submersion?
4) Push-and-glide skills?
5) Can they follow and understand pool safety instructions?

Our 10-stage Swim Progression Programme

After nearly 15 years as a swim school, we have refined our swimming programme based on experience, outcomes and swimmer/parent feedback. This is a 10-stage progressive pathway that teaches swimmers of all abilities. Swimmers are continuously assessed; once they are ready, progression to the next level is immediate. Below is a table briefly outlining each of the 10 stages.

How Our Coaches Track & Measure Progress

All our coaches are highly qualified (Swim England Level 2 or STA Level 2) and experienced (with a minimum of 2 years in a private swim school), with regular ongoing development. Our tracking and measurement process is highly personalised and structured.

‘By developing a successful swimmer tracking and measurement process, we ensure that concerns are addressed early, development is maintained, and progression remains smooth.’ Tara Rahilly, Operations Director (Tara has overseen swimmer development programmes at Swim Generation for over a decade and has helped develop assessment and progression across our London, Surrey and Somerset venues).

Below are 6 ways Swim Generation tracks and measures progress:

1) In water, real-time coaching with instant adjustments and feedback. There is no waiting until swimmers are out of the water.
2) Our coaches measure swimmers against specific targets and measurements throughout each programme.
3) All swimmers and their parents are provided with an online portal containing swim-related information, including notes and achievements. Parents have often commented that they love this, as it provides 24/7 feedback and allows them to discuss progress with their children.
4) There is no fixed progression; swimmers at Swim Generation can move up to the next class once they are ready. This allows for better progression; often, swim schools make students wait until the end of the term.
5) Our luxurious pool locations allow parents to watch their children and be involved in the feedback they receive. 
6) Coaches adjust lessons to swimmers' needs, allowing them to feel at ease and not be pushed too hard.

Parent Involvement

Swim Generation’s philosophy holds that parents are partners in their child’s development. Our coaches can provide first-class training, support and advice; however, this is achieved through collaboration with parents to reinforce learning and provide support, guidance and provisions. Working together, we have seen the difference it makes to quicker learning, motivation and development. Below are key ways that parents become involved:

• Parents are encouraged to watch their child; this helps them get involved in their child’s development.
• At the end of every session, time is dedicated to providing feedback to swimmers and parents. By providing personalised feedback for each swimmer, parents often help reinforce goals and techniques.
• All parents have access to the online portal, allowing them to better understand achievements, progress, feedback and goals.
• Coaches often provide parents with tips on what to practice at home to reinforce skills learned during lessons. This often includes breathing techniques, exercises, etc.
• In our baby & parent sessions, parents are actively involved in in-water lessons with the coaches.

Result & Success Stories

‘We had a wonderful experience with Swim Generation. Anna was knowledgeable, calm, and made each lesson fun while still focusing on proper technique and safety. My child went from being nervous in the water to swimming confidently. Communication was clear, and progress was noticeable every week. Highly recommend to any parent!’ Małgorzata Filus, Richmond (Google review).

1) Since we opened in 2012, Swim Generation has grown to teach more than 2,000 swimmers weekly.
2) Hundreds of our swimmers have progressed to squad and club levels.
3) We have helped hundreds of swimmers (from children to adults) overcome their fear of the water and become confident swimmers.
4) Many families enrol their children and have remained with Swim Generation for years.
5) We now operate from 12 venues throughout London, Surrey and Somerset.