August Blog: Reflecting on an Incredible Year & Looking Ahead

As August unfolds, we’re feeling a wave of gratitude, pride, and excitement. Our academic swimming year officially wrapped up in mid-July, and what a year it’s been. From big team milestones to individual swimmer successes, we’ve had so much to celebrate — and we’re not slowing down just yet.

While the regular term may have ended, we’re diving headfirst into our Summer Intensives, and it’s been amazing to watch the progress already made. If you haven’t yet joined in, don’t worry — there’s still time! We’re running two more intensive weeks starting WC 18th August and WC 26th August. These focused sessions are perfect for giving swimmers a boost ahead of the new term in September.

A Year Worth Celebrating

In the hustle of schedules, training plans, and program development, it’s easy to stay in “go mode” — always looking for the next step forward. But over the past couple of weeks, our team has taken a moment to reflect, appreciate, and review all that we’ve achieved over the past year — and it’s been a truly standout one.

We want to give a heartfelt thank you to our amazing teaching team, who have shown up to every session with passion, positivity, and care. Their commitment has shaped everything we’ve done, and we’ve had some big moments to celebrate too — including the wedding of two of our longest-standing teachers and the joyful announcement of a new baby due August 2025!

Highlights from the 2024 Academic Year

• Performance Squad Formation
  One of the biggest achievements this year has been the creation of our Performance Squad, now 22 swimmers strong. Each of these swimmers has grown through our Learn to Swim program and now trains multiple times a week in a competitive, technique-driven environment. A major highlight was our first in-house gala, where the squad showcased their progress. We can't wait to see how they evolve next year.

• Program Growth & Innovation
  Our Learn to Swim program has grown to include over 700 swimmers, a testament to our dedicated team and supportive swim families. We also introduced Swimphony, a system that’s streamlined payments and made swimmer progress tracking more transparent for parents.

• Listening & Evolving
  After launching our annual customer survey in November, we were thrilled with the positive feedback and took action by making viewable swimmer feedback available via the Swimphony portal. Now parents can stay more informed about their child's journey — anytime.

Coming September: Harrogate School of Baby Swimming

Looking ahead, we’re so excited to announce the launch of something brand new — the Harrogate School of Baby Swimming, starting this September.

We’ve carefully curated a brand-new program designed to support your little one’s water journey from birth. With four age-specific levels, we’ll guide your baby through their first splashes with care and confidence. All lessons will be held at Willow Tree Primary School — a warm, shallow pool perfectly suited for babies and toddlers.

If you're expecting or have a young baby and want to give them the very best start in the water, this is the perfect opportunity. Contact us to find out more — we’d love to hear from you.

Thank You

To all the swimmers and families who joined us this year — thank you. Your support, enthusiasm, and trust have made 2024 a year to remember. We’re excited for what’s ahead and so grateful to have you with us on this journey.

Here’s to more milestones, memories, and magic in the pool — we’ll see you soon!

The Harrogate School of Swimming Team