A GROUP of Braintree and Bocking Swimming Club youngsters are celebrating after becoming qualified Aquatic Helpers.

The club recently ran an “Aquatic Helpers” course, following Swim England’s volunteer program.

And as a result, the young swimmers are all now qualified Aquatic Helpers.

It is a great start for them, as they bid to progress through swimming as a sport.

It encourages older swimmers to stay in swimming, for longer.

The Aquatic Helper forms an initial steppingstone on to the aquatic pathway, allowing learners to gain insight into swimming teaching by becoming a helper within the swimming lesson environment.

Learners complete the Aquatic Helper workbook and assist with swimming lessons while being mentored by a level 2 qualified swimming teacher.

Learners undertaking the Aquatic Helper mentor programme must complete a workbook and assist a level 2 qualified swimming teacher for 12 hours to be awarded this certificate.