Upcoming Taster Sessions:
Thinking of Joining?
Young Swimmers (Under 11)
If you are a swimmer progressing from lessons then we will probably take you into our Academy Programme.
We take children into the Club's Academy and Hengrove Park Leisure Centre's Club Link Programme, after they have reached Stage 6/7 (NPTS) following the Learn to Swim Programme. In our Club Link section at the club we concentrate on the three main strokes of Front crawl, Breaststroke and Backstroke, with the emphasis on developing these strokes ready to progress to the club. Following the Club Link Programme, swimmers progress into our Academy or Development Programmes.
Older Swimmers (11+)
Older children are welcome but the level they join at will be dependent upon ability and previous training. For the less experienced swimmers the entry route might be through Club Link or others may go straight into the Development Squads. More experienced swimmers (usually those training already) will transfer to other squads within our programme.
Disability/Para Swimmers
Depending on swimming ability, Swimmers with a Disability will either enter the club through the normal routes above or utilise the 'Start Para' Swimming sessions to get a start in the sport. If you are interested in joining please email our Para Squad Lead Coach, Paddy: [email protected].
Are places limited?
The club is very popular and there are limits to our ability to host swimmers in some sessions. Until the club can secure more pool time there is a risk that we may have to delay you starting. We will discuss this with you at the time you request a trial but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that a suitable space will be available.
How do Trials Work?
We hold trials for our Academy Squads every Monday and also run regular taster sessions. The trials are used as a way to assess the current level of the swimmer and the most suitable place in the club to start. For our other squads we run trials as often as we can, and sometimes on an individual basis.
You must contact the club to book a place on a trial. To arrange a trial for the City of Bristol Aquatics Swimming section, please email:
We will get back to you ASAP to confirm a time and a date.
Please be aware that demand for trials is high and you may not be invited to the next scheduled trial, you may be given a date in the future if the next scheduled trial is over-subscribed.
Can you Teach me to Swim?
Sorry we do not teach swimming as this is a part of our partnership agreement with Parkwood Leisure. You can contact them to arrange lessons. There are also a number of private swim schools that feed directly into our competitive swimming programme.
How do I transfer from another club?
Please contact the club and discuss your requirements via email. You should email: [email protected]. We will need to understand the level you are swimming at and your race times. We can then discuss a trial in the most appropriate squads. We may ask you to meet with our coaching team to discuss your training.
The standard of the City of Bristol Aquatics Performance Squads are high. Transferring from a top squad in another club will not necessarily equate to the our performance squads. Our competitive squads have standards and training times equivalent or better than many clubs top offerings.
How do I Join?
The best way to start is to email us via the above links and sign up for a free trial swim. We do run a club desk on a Monday night at Hengrove up in the spectating area from 6.15 to 7.15pm.
How do I Leave?
The best way is to email your coach, or contact us via [email protected].
