Swimming Lessons

As an incentive based swimming skills scheme - The STA International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP), Water Lilies Swimming School and millions of children worldwide have learned to swim using this system. 

Baby Water Safety - Starfish Series

The STARFISH Awards are suitable for introducing babies and toddlers from as young as two months up to two years to swimming in a safe and supportive environment.

The series is undertaken in shallow water with the guardian in the water holding and supporting the baby.

STAnley - First Steps Series

The STAnley - First Steps Series offers a progressive aquatic awareness programme for young children from 2 years to 5 years by combining a flexible mix of lessons, activities and incentives building on the foundations of the Starfish Series.

Octopus, Goldfish, Angelfish and Shark - Learn to Swim Programme

This series is designed for those who start to learn to swim at primary school, i.e. the rising 5's to 8 years old group.

Pupils progress through four levels - Octopus, Goldfish, Angelfish and Shark and within each of these levels there are three awards.

Bronze, Silver and Gold - Advanced Skills Series

At Level 5 pupils have the choice of two ladders taking them towards a Gold Award or they may join a specialist swimming club.

Alternatively, they may wish to progress up both ladders at the same time. The two ladders are:

The Advanced Swimmer Series consisting of three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold; each award has a badge and certificate. This series develops swimming technique, speed, stamina and water polo or synchronised swimming skills.

The Water Safety Skills Series also comprising three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold; with badges and certificates. This series develops survival and rescue skills.

Pupils who have achieved both Level 7 Awards - Gold Advanced Swimmer and Gold Water Safety Skills may progress to the Ultimate STA Award, the Platinum Award.

Level 8 - the Platinum Award is the pinnacle of the ILSP scheme combining survival and rescue skills with advanced swimming skills and the option of either water polo or synchronised swimming.