Our Programmes

New Open Water Programmes Available Below!
Find the right programme for you!

Swim Ireland's Open Water Programmes aim to build your confidence in the water, from wherever you are now, to wherever it is you dream of going on your open water journey.

In Swim Ireland’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 we emphasise swimming as a life skill with our ambition to create “An Island of Swimmers”. During this strategy, we aim to provide 100,000 participation opportunities through programmes and events.

For 2024 we have reviewed our programmes and are excited to launch the Swim Ireland Open Water Aquatics Academy. The Open Water Aquatics Academy has been developed around core aquatic skills such as floating, aquatic breathing, submersion, movement in open water, lifesaving, and safety in the open water. Each level has been designed with entry standards and learning outcomes which are linked to at least one core aquatic skills, providing progressive learning opportunities in an enjoyable and safe environment.

There are four levels within the Open Water Aquatics Academy, catering for children aged 6 years upwards through to adults of all ages. When selecting the appropriate level consider age range and entry standards.

Age Ranges:

Junior: 6-11 years old
Teen: 12–17-year-olds
Adult: 18 years upwards

Programme Descriptions

Open Water 1

Is this level for me?
This level is tailored for individuals with no or limited swimming experience.

What will I learn?

By the end of this level swimmers will be able to

Enter and Exit the water safely
Comfortably put their face underwater
Push from a standing position to lying on front and back
Return to a standing position from lying
Perform leg kick on front and back
Perform arm action on front and back
Increase their awareness of open water safety

Open Water 2

Is this level for me?
This level is tailored for individuals who can swim 25m in a swimming pool and have the ability to float on their back.

What will I learn?

By the end of this level swimmers will be able to

Enter and Exit the water safely
Comfortably breathe while swimming
Push from a standing position to lying on front and back to commence kicking
Perform backstroke
Perform frontcrawl
Swim continuously in Open Water for 100m
Increase their awareness of open water safety

Open Water 3

Is this level for me?
This level is for swimmers who are confident out of their depth, have the ability to tread water, and can swim at least 100m on front or back unaided in the open water.

What will I learn?

By the end of this level swimmers will be able to

Enter and Exit the water safely
Perform basic Open Water race starts
Perform fullstroke backstroke efficiently
Perform fullstroke frontcrawl with aquatic breathing
Demonstrate sighting and drafting
Swim continuously in Open Water for 500m

Open Water 4

Is this level for me?
The level is for swimmers who are confident out of their depth, can swim atleast 200m (junior and teen) or 500m (adult) frontcrawl in a swimming pool.
These swimmers may be interested in participating in an open water event.
Suitable for club swimmers, triathletes and experienced open water swimmers.

What will I learn?

By the end of this level swimmers will be able to

Enter and Exit the water safely
Confidently perform Open Water race starts
Perform fullstroke backstroke efficiently
Perform fullstroke frontcrawl efficiently
Perform sighting seemlessly with stroke
Perform drafting techniques within dynamic group scenarios
Swim continuously in Open Water for 1000m

Yoga and Dip

Programme: 6-8 weeks

Be guided by a qualified yoga instructor for 30 minutes then take to the open water, under the watchful eye of our lifeguard, who will ensure your safety and provide tips and advice.