Aquanauts Swim School
AS
Swimming Lessons
Aquanauts Swim School
Sir Thomas Rich's School, Longlevens GL2 0LF
# Aquanauts Swim School
Aquanauts Swim School provides swimming instruction for children aged 4 and upwards in Longlevens, Gloucestershire. Founded by Ben Westlake, an ASA-qualified teacher, and managed by Nicky Westlake, the school operates from Sir Thomas Rich's School with sessions on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The school serves children across all ability levels, from complete beginners to advanced swimmers preparing for lifeguard qualifications. Their teaching approach emphasises creating a safe, supportive environment where nervous children gain confidence in the water. All instructors are fully qualified ASA teachers with DBS clearance, and the school is Swim England affiliated.
What distinguishes Aquanauts is their structured progression framework combined with practical lifesaving skills. Beginners work in small ratios (3:1) to master foundational techniques through the Duckling Awards and Water Skills programme. As children advance, they develop stroke technique and stamina whilst maintaining personal attention from qualified teachers.
The school's standout feature is their Rookie Lifeguard training programme, available to lengths swimmers. This teaches genuine water rescue skills including towing and reach rescues, with children training in clothes without goggles to simulate real outdoor conditions. This progression pathway allows capable swimmers to work towards the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification at 16, or Level 1 Swim Teachers Certification from age 15.
The combination of rigorous teacher qualifications, small class sizes, progressive awards system, and practical lifesaving skills sets Aquanauts apart as a comprehensive swimming education provider.
Aquanauts Swim School provides swimming instruction for children aged 4 and upwards in Longlevens, Gloucestershire. Founded by Ben Westlake, an ASA-qualified teacher, and managed by Nicky Westlake, the school operates from Sir Thomas Rich's School with sessions on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The school serves children across all ability levels, from complete beginners to advanced swimmers preparing for lifeguard qualifications. Their teaching approach emphasises creating a safe, supportive environment where nervous children gain confidence in the water. All instructors are fully qualified ASA teachers with DBS clearance, and the school is Swim England affiliated.
What distinguishes Aquanauts is their structured progression framework combined with practical lifesaving skills. Beginners work in small ratios (3:1) to master foundational techniques through the Duckling Awards and Water Skills programme. As children advance, they develop stroke technique and stamina whilst maintaining personal attention from qualified teachers.
The school's standout feature is their Rookie Lifeguard training programme, available to lengths swimmers. This teaches genuine water rescue skills including towing and reach rescues, with children training in clothes without goggles to simulate real outdoor conditions. This progression pathway allows capable swimmers to work towards the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification at 16, or Level 1 Swim Teachers Certification from age 15.
The combination of rigorous teacher qualifications, small class sizes, progressive awards system, and practical lifesaving skills sets Aquanauts apart as a comprehensive swimming education provider.
Services offered
Beginner swimming lessonsIntermediate swimming lessonsAdvanced swimming lessonsLengths swimming coachingRookie Lifeguard trainingASA Water Skills Framework progressionDistance awardsSwimming challenge awards