There is a structured format at RASCALS where each swimmer has to fully complete every element of a grade before moving up to the next one.

There are several basic grades which also comply with the new Swim 21 requirements which is to be the ‘kite mark’ for future swimming standards.

We base our lessons on the proven Water Skills Award Scheme which is taught in small groups.

Grades One to Three lessons start with half an hour per week until Grade Four where an extra half hour session is added to hone skills and increase stamina. By Grade five swimmers are being taught ASA laws, competitive dives and the joys of butterfly!

With all the grades successfully behind them our aspiring swimmers go on to Development and Junior Squads, depending upon age and ability, at which point they are ready for competitive galas.

Training intensifies at this level and by the time they have passed through the Intermediate level and into the Gala and County Squads they will be doing anything up to 3,000 metres at each hourly session and developing both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems to enhance performances. A County Squad swimmer in full training will expect to spend approximately six hours each week in the water.

Great emphasis is placed on ‘good technique’ without which a swimmer will have major difficulties in proceeding up the competitive ladder. This often means that a swimmer will be held back until specific skills have been mastered, maybe to correct a faulty leg action or turn, which may seem petty to observers but saves re-training later to remove bad habits.

RASCALS have a large number of swimmers who are currently in the Derbyshire Rankings Lists and every year there are youngsters attaining Midland Qualifying times, which is testament to the quality of this system.

Everyone who swims at RASCALS started at those bottom rungs of the ladder, perseverance and hard work takes them up to the top.

RASCALS are self funding, paying for all water time, professional Coach, life guards,  equipment and training out of club funds.  Therefore, there is a modest annual membership fee to cover administration and insurance, together with monthly or quarterly payments depending on your child’s grade.   

Please note; although RASCALS is a competitive club our main aim is to teach as many children as possible to swim safely.

Child Protection – Child Awareness

You will all be aware of the emphasis now being put on the new Child Protection Policy which has recently been introduced by the Government. Most of the rules have been aimed at adults who are directly in contact with young swimmers. All have to have ‘enhanced police checks’ which is enforced by the Leisure Centre and the Amateur Swimming Association for the safety of all the children.

Child abuse can take many forms, from name calling, bullying, ‘touching’ and ‘looking’, to covert photography (watch out for the new picture capable mobile ‘phones) to just feeling uncomfortable in a particular person’s presence.

The Committee and Leisure Centre wish to stress to swimmers that they must take some responsibility for patrolling the situation themselves. If you are not comfortable with the way anyone is behaving TELL SOMEONE AT ONCE. It can be any of the Leisure Centre staff, any RASCALS officials, your parents or one of the senior swimmers.

We want you to be safe and happy when you are at a swimming pool, whether Ripley, Heanor or any other pool you may visit. Help us to help you.