As well as our award-winning swim lessons, Everyone Active also boasts an extensive diving lessons programme. Open to anyone who can swim 25m and is competent in deep water without goggles, our diving lesson course is based on the Swim England Learn to Dive framework. If you’re on the lookout for a fun, fulfilling activity that not only sparks joy in your young ones but also packs a powerful punch of health and fitness benefits, then let’s talk about diving lessons – an adventure that’s just waiting to unfold for your children and teens.
There are seven stages to the course, taking you from being a complete beginner, all the way up to mastering fairly complex dives. These take place from the 1m and 3m springboards.
If you show promise as a diver, we can help guide you towards the Diving Squads system, which will take you all the way from local meets against other clubs all the way up to potentially taking on the world’s best at international competitions.
Diving Lesson Programme
Once you’ve completed the fourth stage of our award-winning learn-to-swim scheme (or equivalent) you’ve got the opportunity to take up diving lessons, should you so wish. This comprises of seven separate stages that take you from the very basics of the sport, all the way up to taking on some fairly complex dives.
Diving 1
If you decide you do, then you start at the first level of the Swim England diving framework. Here, you’ll learn the most basic skills that will form the backbone of your progression through the scheme. Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll be able to progress to the next stage.
Diving 2
Having grasped these fundamentals, the second stage gives you the opportunity to try them out from the 1m springboard.
Diving 3
This third level adds some further dives to your repertoire. In order to pass this stage of programme, you’ll need to display the ability to complete back dives, while you’ll also use the 3m springboard for the first time.
Diving 4
This phase of the scheme builds on what you have learnt in the previous stages. The skills you’ll learn include the back fall from the 1m springboard and diving from the 3m board.
Diving 5
The penultimate level of the diving scheme is where things get a little more complicated. Here you’ll try an inward dive for the first time and you’ll begin to learn about springboard timing.
Diving 6
Finally, you bring together everything you’ve already learnt in this last stage. As well as honing the skills you’ve already mastered, you’ll also learn some new ones, including an inward dive from 1m and a front somersault.
Diving 7
Having completed Diving 6, you will now continue to develop your skills including, inward dive from 3M, and front somersault from 1M.
Diving Squads
Once you’ve completed the diving lessons programme, are enjoying it and show an aptitude for it, then maybe you can start to take it a little more seriously? Here is where we can help. We have diving clubs that train and compete regularly at our centres, while many more advanced squads also train at our centres, all the way up to international level competitors.
Physical & Mental Benefits of Diving Lessons
Diving isn’t just about making a splash; it’s a gateway to developing strength, agility, and so much more. It’ll help you unlock a load of benefits, and we’re here to explore every single one with you.
A Symphony of Strength and Flexibility
Imagine your child springing off the diving board. That graceful arc before entering the water requires a blend of power and poise that works pretty much every muscle group you can think of. Legs push off with gusto, the core engages to create a sleek form, arms guide their flight – it’s a full-body workout that happens in seconds, and yet, it builds strength and flexibility like few other activities can.
Building Mental Muscles, Too
Diving requires focus, concentration, and a pinch of daring. Every time they line up for a dive, children are learning to quiet the noise and hone their attention to the task at hand. It’s this blend of mental fortitude and physical agility that makes diving such a valuable skill. Plus, overcoming the initial butterflies to take that leap instils a sense of confidence and achievement that’s truly invaluable.
Cardiovascular Health
Who knew heart health could be so fun? Diving gets those hearts pumping, helps improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Also, because it’s such an engaging activity, it doesn’t feel like a workout (even though it absolutely is). Even better, this heart-healthy activity is wrapped up in the excitement of learning new dives and celebrating each success.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Diving teaches kids breath control, a skill that’s surprisingly beneficial beyond the pool. Learning how to manage breathing not only improves oxygen efficiency but can also introduce them to calming techniques useful in daily life. Think of it as early training in the art of staying cool under pressure – a life lesson that’s as golden as it gets.
Flexibility and Balance: Beyond the Diving Board
Flexibility isn’t just about reaching the toes (though that’s a fun party trick!). In diving, the need for a dynamic range of motion teaches young bodies to be more flexible and agile. Diving also hones balance and spatial awareness, giving kids a keen sense of their bodies in space – skills that translate beautifully to just about any other sport or physical activity.
Perfect for Improving Social Skills
Diving lessons often bring together kids with similar interests, sowing the seeds for lasting friendships rooted in mutual enthusiasm and encouragement. It’s a community where they learn teamwork, celebrate each other’s successes, and support one another through the hiccoughs. These social connections are just as essential to their health as the physical benefits.