Swimmer Progression

For swimmers first beginning  Artistic swimming, lessons will focus on basic skills. 

This will then progress into working through the Swim England's Learn to Swim Framework Levels 8-10 in Artistic swimming.

Once completed swimmers will receive a certificate and badge.

Details of the Learn to Swim programme can be found here.

Once swimmers have completed the Learn to Swim programme they will then start to work towards gaining their Artistic Swimming Grades.

Swim England currently runs a three-strand award system for athletes; Figure Grades, Routine Grades and Land Grades.  Details of the grades can be found here.

As you progress as a Artistic swimmer you will need to have your Artistic grades tested before you can enter certain competitions. 

Assessments are completed externally and regional assessment days are held throughout the year.

There are six Artistic Swimming grades which provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their age group figures. 

These grades support swimmer long term athlete development (LTAD) and ensure each athlete performs to their very best standard before moving to their next grade. Each grade has three levels (gold, silver and bronze) so all athletes have the ability to perfect their figures before moving to the next grade.

Swim England's website has a full list of each grade in addition to video demonstrations.  

There are five routine grades which provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their routine skills. 

These grades compliment the figure grades and ensure athletes are developing their transitions, speed of movement and hybrids ready for solos, teams and routines as they develop.  

Swim England's website has a full list of each grade in addition to video demonstrations. 

There are five land grades which provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their land skills. 

These grades compliment the figure and routine grades, and ensure athletes are developing core strength, flexibility and speed of movement on land which transfer to the pool through figures and routines.

Adult swimmers are not required to complete any grades to compete however skill improvement is based upon the figures and routine elements.