Ogden Otters – 2014 -2023. The STA Swim Academy Programme – increased schools swim programme – family fun swims – santas workshop.
Since opening our doors in 2014 we have provided high quality lessons to well over 1500 children, adult non swimmers as well as hosting parent and baby classes throughout the week. The pool water temperature is maintained at 32 c which allows for even the smallest baby to safely take part in this fantastic bonding activity with Mum or Dad.
April 2016 saw our introduction of STA Swim Academy programme which comprises of 8 levels and is in line with but superior to the national curriculum for children completing primary education. A certificate is awarded for each of the eight levels with each certificate clearly listing the elements successfully completed by the young swimmer, the levels start at absolute beginner and progress steadily to cover all 4 strokes by level 8. This programme is designed to develop stroke techniques along side water safety and water rescue techniques.
The introduction of a more sophisticated chemical dispenser for dosing chemicals into the pool and making the in water experience more pleasant and will massively benefit anyone with asthma or similar respiratory conditions as the chlorine and Ph levels are kept more stable in the pool. The pool water is tested throughout the day at regular intervals to ensure its chemical composition provides a safe and healthy environment for all our swimmers.
In 2017 Ogden Otters came under new management and the introduction of pool parties as well as re-introducing Aquacise into our programme. After a great response to one night we very quickly had to increase these aquacise sessions to 3 different times a week. As a result of continued support we now offer aquacise lessons during the day to ensure that we are able to cater for all abilities and ages so if you are retired and are looking for a great way to exercise and meet new people then look no further, so come along and have a go!
Septemer 2017 also saw us opening our doors to working with the education sector to offer National Curriculum swimming lessons and after a very successful year this program has been offered to 3 other schools in Calderdale. Since then we have continued to grow and we now cater to 8 different schools within the local area giving high quality swimming lessons to key stage 2 children. We are a little different here in that the teachers are in the pool with the children and our teaching ratios are very low compared to local council pools.
In 2020 we introduced family fun swims on a weekend as way for familities to be able to use our facilities privately. Its a great way to see the progress the children make when learning to swim and its a chance for them to show of the new skills that they learn – it can be a very proud moment for a parent! For more details regarding this then please contact reception.
December 2023 saw the introduction of Santas Workshop which we feel was very well attended and was an experience that was greatly enjoyed by everyone who came. The feedback has been amazing to say the least with parents brimming full of compliments stating that they cannot wait for Santa to visit us again next year!