Swimming lessons and water skills: Discover a world of swimming opportunities for all ages in Portsmouth
Make a splash at Horizon Leisure and discover the joys and benefits of swimming for pleasure or with purpose.
Whether you want to be a serious swimmer, a lifeguard, mermaid or a fun floater, whether you’re a babe in arms or a grown-up recuperating from a health issue, getting into the pool is the first step to reaping the benefits of swimming.
At Horizon Leisure they are passionate about the health benefits of swimming for everyone and actively encourage a positive and inclusive culture around aquatic exercise, meaning its wide range of pool activities are suitable for all.
Whether you are just starting out with baby’s first swimming lessons, want to enjoy family fun float sessions, get in some laps for yourself or are interested in their long-term conditions swimming sessions, there really is something for everyone – helping us all to lead a happier and healthier life.
Horizon Leisure has reimagined its learn to swim journey. Rather than seeing stage seven or eight as the finish line, they see it as a launch pad into diverse aquatic disciplines. So if your child dreams of performing graceful artistic swimming routines, competing in water polo, perfecting their dives or becoming a lifeguard, the pathway continues far beyond basic swimming lessons, keeping young people active and in the water for years to come.
With 54 expert and qualified swimming teachers on the team, Horizon Lesisure delivers the largest swimming programme in the borough. Read on to find out more
A pathway for every swimmer
Horizon Leisure offers a comprehensive aquatics programme designed to keep swimmers engaged long after they've mastered the basics. With more than 3,000 children currently enrolled in its lessons, it is proving that swimming is much more than learning to stay afloat.
They work with Swim England, the sport’s governing body, to deliver a swimming programme for both children and adult learners and are committed to providing high-quality, inclusive swim lessons that help build confidence, skills and a lifelong love of the water.
Chloe Efford, Aquatic Development Manager said: “Swim England’s Learn to Swim programme is the most popular learn-to-swim programme in England. It represents the gold standard for swimming education.
Learning to swim shouldn’t just be about being able to swim a short distance, we really want to see young people complete the ten Swim England stages, taking them from beginners to advanced. Living so close to the sea and open water means it’s especially important for our young people to not only be able to swim, but to be strong long distance capable swimmers.
Preschool swimming: 3 months – 4 years
The journey begins early, with classes for babies as young as three months. These daytime sessions help children develop water confidence and fundamental skills before they transition into structured lessons.
Junior lessons: Swim England stages 1-10
Following the nationally recognised Swimming England pathway, children progress through stages 1-10, building essential swimming techniques and water safety skills.
One-to-one lessons for children with SEND
Our SEND swimming lessons are taught exclusively by specially trained instructors who follow the same Swim England stages pathway as mainstream lessons. These tailored sessions can serve as a bridge to group lessons when appropriate.
Making waves!
Keeping swimmers learning for longer. Here’s where Horizon Leisure’s approach to swimming becomes truly innovative. Traditionally, many swimmers drop out after achieving basic skills. However, stage eight and above opens up an exciting range of new specialised disciplines that provide routes for continued swimming without necessarily going down the competitive swimming route.
The stage 8+ options
Artistic swimming: This discipline combines dancing and gymnastics in the water, creating elegant routines under the water.
Water polo: A fun team sport option that builds swimming skills while introducing strategic gameplay and teamwork.
Diving: Take the plunge at Havant’s impressive three metre deep pool! This introductory diving programme gets you mastering the fundamentals and experiencing the rush of diving.
Rookie Lifeguards: Described by Chloe, our Aquatics Manager, as ‘the most fun’, this programme teaches water safety, rescue techniques and life-saving skills. A brand-new class has just launched with spaces available! Plus, it’s a great route into becoming a lifeguard as a teenager’s first job!
Mermaid Swimming: Has your little one dreamed of being Arial in the Little Mermaid? These special mermaid classes, offered as holiday activities and during half-terms, can be booked as one-off experiences or course blocks. Mermaid tail included!
Swimming memberships
For £30 per month at Havant and Waterlooville families receive one lesson per week, free public swimming, free floats and fun sessions.
And don’t forget, you are never too old to learn to swim; Horizon Leisure offers adult swimming lessons and refresher sessions too.
For more information visit the Horizon Leisure website