There swimming is part of most popular sports in France. Public swimming pools, private structures or even associations, you have plenty to do for swimming!
Furthermore, with regard to course formats, YOU you have the choice: collectives, individual Or internship.
You want learn more about swimming lessons ? THE different formats ? THE benefits ? SO, this article is made for you. Come on, we'll explain everything to you. 💦
The different formats of swimming lessons
According to your level, your swimming lessons will be adapted. Reason why you you need to know your level before taking the plunge.
It's a milestone to be sure that your lessons swimming are adapted to your level And respect your pace and your SKILLS.
For example, if you don't have never really learned to swim, your course will be different from that of a person who has already swum several times.
Once you know your level, you can choose a method that suits you best according to your comfort in the water :
- Of the group lessons
- Of the individual lessons
- Of the internships
1. Group swimming lessons
If you love to swim, you have probably already followed of the group swimming lessons. Those are the formats that you find in all swimming pools.
THE sessions are generally done per group of ten people of the same level as you. They are of course supervised by a lifeguard in a pool dedicated to you.
This course format maybe interesting, because group spirit can help you become more motivated.
But if you prefer to learn swimming alone with a Lifeguard, you can always turn to the individual/private lessons.
2. Individual swimming lessons
For a personalized learning And adapted to your pace, THE Individual swimming lessons are perfect.
Supervised and guided by a Lifeguard, you can even ask to elaborate on certain points in particular.
For example, if you have struggling with kicking, ask your lifeguard work on this aspect more than others !
This course format is made for you if you prefer to learn at your own pace. Moreover, the advice are precisely focused on you And your swimming technique.
However, small downside, private swimming lessons are a very rare And more expensive than group sessions.
But there is also a latest swimming lesson format, which you might like, the internships.
3. Swimming lessons during training
THE swimming lessons are interesting if you want to learn rapidly. They allow to follow the lessons. This way you stay at a good learning pace.
THE swimming lessons are generally distributed over one or more weeks. YOU chain SO classes every day or every other day.
However, once your swimming session is over, you have to continue to swim regularly.
You are not not necessarily obliged to return to swimming by taking lessons. But you just have to continue to practice. Like that everything you have learned is not lost.
Whatever the format of lessons you choose, you will generally have need around fifteen lessons. You will then have good foundations for swimming well.
How does a first swimming lesson go?
Swimming equipment
First of all, before your swimming lesson you need a adapted swimming equipment, to know :
- A swimsuit (no beach shorts)
- A bath towel
- Of the swimming goggles
- A Bathing cap
- Of the sandals
What also applies to your child who is about to follow her first swimming lesson Besides.
Now that you know what to put in your swimming bag, we can get down to business: how does a first swimming lesson go?
The first swimming lesson for children
If you take your little one to their very first swimming lesson, the course will be done in small group of around ten children.
THE children are distributed in level group And the lesson lasts between 40 and 45 minutes, or even a little less depending on their age.
At start of the session, the lifeguard will welcome all children in order to their present the objectives of the swimming lesson.
Then he/she will distribute the children according to their level in order to form more or less homogeneous groups.
Once the groups formed, THE children are going play and participate in different exercises to learn to swim.
THE most comfortable children in the water will discover the different movements and the different swimming techniques, as :
- The immersion
- Flotation
- Travel
- Etc.
And the little ones are a little more reluctant are going discover the joys of water and some swim through activities :
- Water sports
- Slides
- Aquatic courses
- Etc.
The fact that your little one is having fun in the water go to him allow you to learn the basics of swimming without him/her doesn't realize it.
And once the swimming lesson completed, the lifeguard makes a little lesson summary. Then he/she ends by quickly explaining the progress of the next lesson.
The first swimming lesson for adults
Just as for the swimming lessons for children, those for adults are also made by level.
You start with discuss with the lifeguard about your swimming level, your aquatic experiences, etc. They will therefore be able to make groups more easily.
Once the groups formed, you will be in the water to learn the different movements and the different technics of swimming :
- There breathing
- THE leg kicks
- THE arm movements
- There bust rotation For take your breath
- There position to float well
- THE placement of your hands
- THE swimming timing
- Etc.
Once the completed exercises, you will be able debrief the lesson with your lifeguard. It allows you to know where you can improve. But also those where you have made progress !
Because yes, taking swimming lessons is meant to progress in the water in order to become a better swimmere. But not only !
Why take swimming lessons?
Take swimming lessons It is important. For what ? Well quite simply for be able to swim safely. You learn to move around while being comfortable in the water.
You can also follow swimming lessons in order to practice another aquatic or nautical activity. Because yes, for example, To surf, you need to know how to swim !
Taking swimming lessons can also fit into a goal of improving your swimming.
But that's not all, there is other reasons for which you can take swimming lessons:
- For feel good in the water
- For swim competitively
- For take care of your health
- For avoid drowning
- Etc.
Whatever your reason for learning swimming, this sport is full of benefits !
The main benefits of swimming
Swimming lessons and swimming in general allow you to:
- Vou spend regularly
- Help you to perfect your swimming technique
- Do work on your endurance
- Improve your breathing abilities And cardiovascular
- Strengthen your muscles
- Contribute to improving your flexibility
- Stimulate your blood circulation
- Help you to clear your head
- Make gentle rehabilitation in case of injury
- Participate in the familiarizing your children with the aquatic environment
- Prevent the risk of drowning
- Fight the fear of water And aquaphobia
- Develop the motor skills of children
- Etc.
If you would like to know more about all the good reasons to practice swimming, we invite you to take a look at our article on the benefits of swimming. 👀
At what age should you take swimming lessons?
To take swimming lessons, there is no no age limit, but rather a minimum age, namely 5 years.
Before the age of 5, the child does not have the necessary skills to learn to swim. But on the other hand, it is possible to accustom little ones to the aquatic environment before the age of 5. What will facilitate greatly his learning afterwards !
Before their 5 candles, THE young children can participate in classes of baby swimmers, of water garden, aquatic ease, etc.
These different lessons are interesting to do discover the joys of water for children, while having fun.
Little ones can also and above all attend self-rescue lessons from 3 years old ! They are very important, because they allow children to learn the right reflexes to adopt in the water.
THE Ministry of Sports has also set up two devices to combat drowning :
- “I'm learning to swim” (for children aged 6 to 12)
- “Aquatic ease” (for children aged 4 to 6)
Two devices which allow children to discover the joys of water and swimming from their younger age. And that, with free courses given by lifeguards of the French Swimming Federation.
They are mainly aimed at children who cannot swim. Little ones can therefore acquire the necessary skills in order to to move in the water with serenity.
What is the right age to learn to swim?
There is no not necessarily the ideal age to learn to swim. Although of course, the earlier you, or your child, start, the better. You just have to go through adult swimming lessons as a child.
It is for this reason that the swimmers who started very early were able to learn good reflexes and keep them afterwards. They are therefore more comfortable in the water than someone who starts swimming lessons later.
For example, a swimmer who learns to swim from the age of 5 wiil be good more comfortable that one person who learns to swim as an adult.
How to learn to swim as an adult?
For learn to swim as an adult, the best solution is to call on a qualified lifeguard.
Learning may seem a little longer, because you are not not necessarily completely comfortable in the water. But once you understand the basics, everything will be fine faster.
And even more if you choose courses adapted to your needs and to your level. For example, you can find group lessons for adults in most public swimming pools.
But if you wish learn at your own pace, with some advice adapted to your level, THE private swimming lessons remain the best.
Count between 5 and 10 lessons to master the basics of swimming and feel comfortable in the water. Of course it all depends on each person : your level, your comfort, etc.
But the goal is to be regular in your practice For don't lose what you have learned. And especially for continue to progress.
And if you're wondering where to find swimming lessons in Paris, don't move, we have prepared what you need!
Where to learn to swim in Paris?
Several options are available to you to find swimming lessons in Paris:
- THE public swimming pools
- THE private structures
- THE swimming clubs
- THE associations
1. Public swimming pools
As for the public swimming pools in Paris, you have plenty of choice. Among those who offer swimming lessons, we can cite :
- There swimming pool Georges Vallerey
- There Blomet swimming pool
- There swimming pool Georges Hermant
- There swimming pool Champerret
- There swimming pool Joséphine Baker
- There swimming pool Roger le Gall
- There Auteuil swimming pool
- There Keller swimming pool
- There Butte aux Cailles swimming pool
- There Pailleron swimming pool
- There Pontoise swimming pool
- There Admirals swimming pool
- There swimming pool Parmentier
- There swimming pool Yvonne Godard
- Etc.
2. Private structures
Besides public swimming pools, there are also some private structures in which you or your children can participate in swimming sessions:
- Swim Stars (for children and adults)
- First Bath (for children)
- Paris Country Club
- Swim Camps (internship in Paris)
- Etc.
3. Swimming clubs
You can also of course follow lessons directly by joining a swimming club. In Paris, there are in particular:
- THE Paris Swimmers Club (CNP – Paris 12th)
- THE Neptune Club (Paris 15th)
- THE CNE (Épinettes Swimming Club)
- THE CND 13 (Domrémy Nautical Club)
- THE Doves of Bercy (Paris 12th)
- Etc.
4. Associations
Finally, there are also associations that offer swimming lessons for all ages :
- UCPA (National Union of Outdoor Sports Centers)
- Archimedes
- Foot in the Water
- The Camillian
- ARPE (Reunited Associations of Paulin Enfert)
- The Marais Circle (Paris 4th)
- APSAP-PV (Association of Sports Personnel of Parisian Administrations of the City of Paris)
- Etc.
How much does it cost to learn to swim?
THE swimming lesson prices will vary in function :
- Of course format
- Of the swimming pools
- Of the structures
- Of the lifeguards
- Of the cities
In general, for a collective lesson, count between 10 and 15€ per session. But the rate can sometimes reach 40€.
But the best solution it's from take several courses in one go. In this way you will have a small reduction.
For the private lessons, THE prices are more expensive, count between 20 and 30€ per session. But as for group lessons, the fact buying several courses at once reduces the price a little.
To all this is also added the swimming pool entrance fee which is generally around €5.
To give you an idea, the price of swimming lessons in the City of Paris swimming pools are the following for 30 minutes of lessons in groups of 1 to 3 people :
- 15€ for a lesson
- 66€ for 6 lessons
Where to learn to swim for free?
If you are a adult and you are looking for free swimming lessons, you are going to have hard to find.. There is very few, if any, free lessons.
Sometimes certain swimming centers or certain associations offer free internships. But it remains quite rare…
On the other hand, if you are looking for free swimming lessons for your children, that's another story. You will be able find what you're looking for if you start early.
As already told you above, the Ministry of Sports has set up two devices to combat drowning at the children :
- “I'm learning to swim" for the children aged 6 to 12
- “Aquatic ease" for the children aged 4 to 6
These two devices allow the children aged 4 to 12 to benefit from courses given free of charge upon registration. And this, by professionals from the French Swimming Federation (FFN).
Several public swimming pools in France offer these sessions. The aim being to allow children who cannot swim to move safely in the water. But also introduce them to the basics of swimming.
Meeting on the FFN website to find swimming pools near you who offer the courses “I'm learning to swim" Or "Aquatic ease”. Don't wait too long, because places go quickly !
Conclusion
Whether it be for you or your children, it exists different swimming lesson formats (collective, individual or internship).
For the swimming, there is no no age limit, but one minimum age : 5 years. On the other hand, your children can discover the joys of water from an early age.
So if you find a place to take swimming lessons, look towards the public swimming pools, of the private structures, of the swimming clubs and associations !
Swimming is good, aquabike at Aqua by is better
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Of the sessions accessible to everyone, And this, no matter your level of physical activity. At Aqua by, everyone has their place in the water.
In addition, once you have finished your session, you can enjoy a sauna and hammam. Nothing better to end gently!
SO if aquabike tempts you, come and take a look a die our studios in the heart of Paris (Bastille, Charonne, Réaumur), or at Boulogne !
What are you waiting for? Book your session and throw yourself into the water ! 💦
Questions about swimming lessons? We'll answer you!
How far to start swimming?
If you start swimming, an objective of 100 to 200 meters per lesson is a very good start. The more you will feel comfortable in the water and by swimming, the more you can increase the distances.
But to encourage you, the best is to set a goal of time, rather than distance. For example, tell yourself that you are going to swim for 15 minutes, taking short breaks.
Is it okay to swim every day?
Swimming is a gentle sport that poses little to no risk. You can therefore swim every day without risking injury if you want it.
But your pace will depend in particular on your objectives and of your physical condition :
- If you start, YOU quickly feel muscle fatigue And articular, or even potential pain.
- If you have the habit of swimming often, swim every day can be part of your workout, especially for competition.
There is therefore no not necessarily a contraindication to swimming every day. But you should know that your body still needs rest to recharge your batteries.
Especially that if you swim just for leisure or for fitness, you do not have no need to swim 7 days a week. A rhythm of 1 day out of 2 is already very good!
But in the idea, swimming every day is not a bad initiative. He better to swim a little every day, rather than 3 hours, only once a week.
What is the first stroke to learn?
There breaststroke where the crawl are often the very first strokes that you learn during your swimming lessons. For what ? Because they allow you to move easily in the water.
With the “classic” breaststroke, you do not have no need to put your head under water. What explains why breaststroke is often the first swim you discover.
What is the easiest stroke to learn?
There breaststroke and the crawl are considered to be the easiest strokes to learn. Why these are the ones you learn first.
They do not require as much coordination in movements as swimming the butterfly For example.
On the other hand, the real breaststroke, there breaststroke, is not not the easiest stroke to master.
It's about a swimming underwater with fairly technical movements. While “classic” breaststroke, which is swum while keeping your head above water.
What is the hardest stroke to learn?
THE butterfly East probably the hardest stroke to learn. He is difficult to swim, because he requires a lot of strength and good coordination.
But what makes the complicated butterfly, these are especially the precise breathing technique and movements.But the breaststroke, as we told you just above, is also a swimming difficult to learn !
