The Galleon Swim School

Your journey to effortless swimming

At the Galleon Swim school we aspire to teach safe fun and explorative lessons, so that each swimmer learns to swim with fluidity and ease.

If you are interested in joining the Galleon Swim School please complete our swim school enquiry form

Our Teaching

Class sizes are small at 2:1 or 4:1 for tuition and a 6:1 ratio for Club Ready
Non use of floatation devices
Each stroke is broken down by using simplistic skills and practices
All students are taught in the water by our teachers.

Our Teachers

All teachers will hold a Level 2 Swimming Qualification
Each teacher will hold a current water safety qualification and will participate in regular training sessions in house at The Galleon Club
Quarterly CPD will be held to keep up to date on swimming techniques and teaching methodology
Everyone will hold a full Enhanced CRB Certificate.

For information on the Galleon Swim School, please contact Karen McArthur, Swim School Coordinator on 0131 446 6064 or email galleonswimschool@gwc.org.uk

Swimming Coordinator

Karen McArthur

Hi my name is Karen McArthur, I am the Swimming Coordinator at The Galleon Swim School. I am a professional swimming teacher with over 20 years experience teaching swimming to children and adults. I have worked in various schools in Scotland and England. My vast experience and knowledge of swimming also allows me to teach in different group sizes, ranging from 1:1, 2:1, 4:1 up to 8:1 in a class.

Over the past 10 years I have adopted an in the water approach whilst teaching swimming lessons and non use of floatation devices at lower levels, only being introduced when the swimmer has the skills and ability to manage them (advanced). My knowledge and experience as a swimmer and teacher allows me to break down each stroke using simplistic skills and drills allowing the swimmer to understand each stage of the stroke. All strokes are taught in a specific sequence starting from basic principles of swimming, water confidence, breath control, floating, gliding, kicking and deep water confidence which then leads onto backstroke, front crawl, breaststroke and butterfly.

My main passion in life is to teach swimming to children and adults and allow them to have the ability to swim beautifully with confidence and enjoy the water as much as I do. Swimming is not only a major life skill but also a sport and provides many health benefits. I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience being in the water and enjoy swimming.

Welcome to The Galleon Swimming School.
Karen

Assistant Swimming Coordinator

Zoe MacDonald

My name is Zoe; I am the Assistant Swim Coordinator at the Galleon Swim School. I have a strong passion for swimming and bring over five years of experience working within the sports industry. I hold a BSc in Applied Sports Science from the University of Edinburgh, which has provided me with a solid foundation in child sport development, performance and sport wellbeing.

My love for swimming came from watching the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where Michael Phelps swam his “last race”, despite going on to also compete in the 2016 Games! I went on to join my local swimming club (Hitchin Swimming Club), through dedication and hard work I swam at county level, regional level and Scottish National Level. Throughout this journey, my coach played a key role in motivating me to keep improving and helped instil the strong work ethic and commitment I have towards sport today. Experiencing this support and encouragement firsthand has inspired me to create the same positive and motivating environment for swimmers at the swim school, and it drives my desire to help every swimmer develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment in the water.

In addition, in the summer of 2025, I went on to be a swimming coach and SEN assistant in St Lucia. Teaching swimming to children and supporting children with additional needs really taught me patience, key communication skills and made me fall back in love with the sport in a different way.
Outside of work I’ve swapped my goggles for rugby boots, I currently play for the women's team at Heriots. I’m so proud to not just play the sport but to be a part of the growth of Women’s rugby in Scotland!

Teachers

Ola

My swimming journey began when I was 6 years old. I had been chosen for a swimming club in Krakow where I had been in finals of the junior Poland championships.

Becoming a swimmer gave me the opportunity to acquire skills and possibility of development towards water rescue/lifeguard and swimming instructor.

With my passion for swimming , in 2009 I decided to become a swimming instructor and hold a SSTQ Level 2 qualification.

In Poland I had my own swimming school where I teach kids in any level from 3 years old, babies and adults.

I've been employed in the Centre of sport and recreation KOLNA Krakow, Aquasport Swimming School Olkusz, Poland where I teach kids full time for 5 years until I moved to Scotland in 2014.

Since then I have been a full time private nanny. GWC give me opportunity to become the swimming teacher again and I can't wait to get in to the water and teach your kids how to swim.

Manuel

I am a swimming teacher and coach with over 20 years of professional experience in aquatics sports. I hold a degree in sport science and Physical Education and have extensive experience in both high-performance and development coaching.

My professional background includes coaching the Spanish Under-21 national Triathlon team, and multiple triathlon and swimming clubs, working with athletes across a wide range of ages and performance levels. I competed in swimming for 20 years at a competitive level and later as a triathlete across all race distances, from sprint to Ironman.

I have broad teaching experience working with swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners to adult learners, with a strong emphasis on technical development, performance progression, and evidence-based practice.

In my free time, I actively engage in cycling, archery, hiking, and mountain biking. I’m also deeply passionate about music, which I value as an important source of creativity, balance, and personal enrichment.

Mario

Hola! from the vibrant landscapes of Spain! I'm Mario, and I bring the best of both worlds to the table.

I'm not just your average swimming teacher—I'm a dynamic, fully qualified instructor with over 12 years of making a splash in the world of swimming. But that's not all! I've got a teaching background in education which has allowed me to develop a very good understanding of a child’s mind and to be great at communicating instructions.

I get a profound sense of fulfilment from witnessing the progress of my swimmers, starting from their early stages when they rely on my unwavering support in the water to eventually evolving into independent and highly proficient swimmers as they grow. It's a rewarding journey that fuels my passion for teaching, and the joy of seeing young minds develop their aquatic skills is truly unparalleled.

Now, when I'm not all about the pool, not guiding others through the wonders of swimming, you'll find. me embracing the thrill of the trails on a bike. Life with me is a vibrant mix of aquatic expertise, sportsmanship, and a zest for adventure. Come join the journey—I promise it's a ride you won't want to miss!

Owen

Hi I’m Owen,

I am a former swimmer with a decade of competitive experience. I started swimming for Warrender Baths Club in Edinburgh at age 9, going on to compete against the UK’s very best swimmers throughout the rest of my school career.

I have served on multiple junior national squads and had the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished coaches in all of British swimming.

Upon the conclusion of my own competitive swimming journey at the end of 2022 I made the decision to train as a swimming teacher. As a former Watson’s pupil myself I look forward to imparting my vast knowledge and wealth of experience onto the next generation of young swimmers.

Jessica

Hi! I’m Jess, I am currently a first-year business student at Heriot Watt University. I am originally from Aberdeen and qualified as a Swim Teacher back home in 2024 and have taught ever since. As well as Swim Teaching, I am also a qualified lifeguard and have coached a competitive junior squad for 3 years. Before gaining my qualifications, I was a competitive swimmer myself for 10 years! My background in swimming and growing up around some amazing and inspiring coaches has helped me gain confidence in all aspects of life in and out of the pool, which is what I hope to do for each swimmer in my classes!

Erik

Hi, I’m Erik and I’m from Mexico, where I was a PE teacher and swimming coach for over 20 years. My experience in the pool has given me an excellent knowledge of swimming which I use to tailor my classes and teaching style to meet individual needs. I have strong people skills and am quick to develop trust and instil confidence in the water. I always try to make classes fun and motivating, which helps build confidence and remove barriers to learning. I have a unique breadth of experience from teaching babies and toddlers to enjoy the water to training high-performance Paralympic swimmers. I am passionate and professional in everything I do in the swimming pool

Kate

Hello, I’m Kate. I completed my Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification in 2024 and have been lifeguarding at the Galleon since 2023. I’ve always loved being in the water. I swam competitively at a national level and enjoy surfing around the UK, experiences that have taught me the importance of both water safety and good technique.

I also have experience working with children as a Multisport Camp Coach, babysitter, and Spanish tutor. I hope to create a fun and safe learning environment for swimmers.

Outside the pool, I like running, dog walks, and surfing. I’m excited to help swimmers develop their skills, confidence, and a love for the water!

Andy May

Hello, my name is Andy, swimming truly is one of life’s great pleasures.

As a former competitor I can vouch for the experiences that last a lifetime.

But, the privilege to teach the next generation to swim, to share that passion for this sport, the enjoyment and pass on a vital life skill is even greater.

Morten

Hello, I’m Morten, swimming has been a lifelong passion for me, both as a swimmer and a coach.

I trained and coached in Hong Kong and Australia for over 15 years, taking part in National Championships and Masters Swimming events. After relocating to Scotland, I began coaching in Glasgow since 2021.

With over 10 years of coaching experience across Hong Kong, Australia and Scotland, I’ve had the privilege of teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners learning their first strokes to junior squads and Masters athletes refining their performance. Coaching continues to fuel my passion for the sport. Watching swimmers grow in confidence, develop their techniques and experience the joy of success inspires me to keep learning, improving and supporting every swimmer.

Stuart

Hello, my name is Stuart, I am a parent at the school and a fully qualified Scottish Swimming teacher, delivering fun, energetic lessons for young swimmers. I have experience teaching children in swimming, including at Sydney Grammar School, and have also worked as a qualified lifeguard. With a background in sport, including scuba diving around the world and coaching rugby at Watsonians Warriors, I’m passionate about building confidence in the water. Having learnt to swim in this very pool, it’s especially rewarding to now teach the next generation here. I specialise in complete beginners, early years, and primary school children, with a strong focus on water safety, confidence, and enjoyment. As a parent of a child with additional needs, I bring a patient, understanding, and inclusive approach to every lesson.

Rowan

I am Rowan. I qualified as a swim teacher in 2022 and have been teaching ever since. I currently work in the Galleon as a Lifeguard and I am delighted to be soon teaching swimming for the Galleon. I am a swimmer, having swam from an early age and competitively for Hearts Swim Club and my school, George Watson’s College. I still remember my favourite swim teachers and coaches encouraging me to improve. My favourite event is the Individual Medley, where you get the chance to do all four strokes. My love of water switched to Rowing, where I still train and compete. It takes the same commitment as swimming.
When not doing the above, I am studying for a law degree.

Swimming Programme

Lessons will run Monday to Saturday for 30 minutes.
Monday to Friday: 3.45pm to 6.15pm
Saturday: 9am to 1.15pm

Preschool/Non Swimmer lessons

We strongly believe that before starting school children should start swimming! It’s a life skill and Preschool swimming lessons develop the essential confidence and core skills that young children need to be safer in water.

Aim: To become water confident and develop core aquatic skills with the assistance of a swimming teacher.

Introduce complete non-swimmers to the aquatic environment and establish an understanding of safety in and around water.
Develop and progress water confidence

Enter and exit the pool safely
Shallow water confidence
Putting your face in the water
Practising blowing bubbles, nose and mouth
Aided floatation
Encouraging freedom of movement
Underwater waving (up to 3 seconds)
Jumping in (aided or unaided)

Swim Skills levels 1-4

When learners have developed a basic level of confidence in water they can start to progress through the Swim Skill levels to develop their aquatic competence and become a safer swimmer. Each level of Swim Skills has:

An overall aim of clearly defined objectives.

Swim Skills 1

Aim: To further develop water confidence and develop core aquatic skills.

Objectives:

Full breath control
Floating back and front (working towards unaided)
Submersion for sinkers (dolphin technique)
Gliding and streamlining (back and front)
Mechanics of leg kick, kicking on the back and front
Travelling through the water, aided and unaided up to 5 metres
Introduction to sitting dive.

Swim Skills 2

Aim: To increase the competency of the core aquatic skills and develop basic stroke technique

Objectives:

Gliding up to 5 metres on back and front unaided
Body rolling back and front
Sculling - introduce sculling actions
Kicking up to 10m on back
Mechanics of back stroke arm pull, with catch pull and push, and focussing on rolling the shoulders
Backstroke timing and rhythm, swimming up to 25m
Introduction to undulation - Hands by the side, on your front and on the surface of the water (working on a small wiggle)
Deep water confidence.
Kicking on the front for 10m in a streamlined position.
Introduction to kneeling dive

Swim Skills 3

Aim: Introduce more advanced stroke technique.

Objectives:

Further develop competency in backstroke technique, timing and rhythm.
Stamina building to obtain a distance of 50 metres - backstroke
Front crawl breath control (breathing to the side)
Mechanics of front crawl arm action, catch pull and push
Front crawl timing and rhythm with bi-lateral breathing, travelling up to 50m
Sculling on the back, arms at the side of the body
Undulation - Hands by the side, on your front and on the surface of the water. Working on a small wiggle, swimming up to 10 metres
Underwater push off - front crawl
Front crawl turns
Introduction to standing dive

Swim Skills 4 (4:1 ratio)

Aim: To improve the quality of stroke technique, introduce multi aquatic skills/disciplines and basic lifesaving skills

Objectives:

Backstroke challenge, 100m distance
Front crawl timing and rhythm - over a longer distance whilst maintaining technique
Sculling on the back, feet first, arms at the side - up to 25m
Backstroke and front crawl starts and turns - from one stroke to the other
Front crawl challenge 100m with starts and turns
Mechanics of breaststroke leg kick
Mechanics of breaststroke arm action
Breaststroke starts and turns - continuing onto full stroke with timing and rhythm
Breaststroke 50m challenge with starts and turns
Introduction to racing dive techniques

Club Ready (6:1 ratio)

Club Ready is the final stage of the National Learn to Swim programme when swimmers will have mastered all the three main strokes and be ready to further develop in a club environment.

Aim: To improve and maintain stroke technique over distance and develop basic training and race skills producing a swimmer who is Club Ready

Objectives:

Advance swimming stamina for all 3 strokes whilst maintaining technique (backstroke, front crawl and breaststroke)
Develop starts and turns for all three strokes
Butterfly arm pull and kick
Butterfly timing and rhythm
Butterfly starts and turns
Backstroke 200m
Front Crawl 200m
Breaststroke 200m
Butterfly 50m

For further information on the Galleon Swim School, please contact Karen or Zoe on 0131 446 6064 or email galleonswimschool@gwc.org.uk

Swim Terms and Pricing

Term Dates

Autumn Term: Monday 24 August - Saturday 10 October 7 week term (consecutive - no breaks) Winter Term: Monday 26 October - Thursday 17 December 8 week term (consecutive - no breaks) Christmas Campus Closure: Friday 18 December - Monday 04 January 2027 Lessons will commence Tuesday 05 January 2027
All lessons are sold as a 10 week block
2:1	£28.50
4:1	£16.50
6:1	£11.50

1:1 lessons are not currently available.

All lessons are taught in the water with a swimming teacher, without the use of floatation devices.

Our lessons run 36 weeks of the year during school term time.

Adult Swimming Lessons

Adult lessons are now available at The Galleon Swim School.

Classes will begin from 6.30pm and will be for 45 mins and will be taught at a 1-1 ratio, last time slot is at 8.45pm.

To book please contact the teachers below via email. Further information on our teachers is available in the Our Team tab.

Ola Piskorz - Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday - a.piskorz@gwc.org.uk

Manuel Munoz Ibanez - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - m.munozibanez@gwc.org.uk

Morten Chan - Monday, Tuesday & Friday - m.chan@gwc.org.uk

Prices
Taster session	£45
X3 lessons	£130
X5 lessons	£215
X10 lessons	£410

All payments are made at The Galleon.

For further information please contact Karen McArthur Swim School Coordinator on 0131 446 6064 or email galleonswimschool@gwc.org.uk

Swim Holiday Camps

We also run swimming camps Monday to Friday for 30 or 60* minutes, taught at a 1:1 and 2:1 ratio. These camps are a great opportunity for your child to work on their swimming skills over the school holidays and have fun!

October Week 1: Mon 12 to Fri 16
Mario Ola Stuart	3pm - 6pm 3pm - 6pm 3pm - 6pm

October Week 1: Mon 12 to Fri 16

Mario

Ola

Stuart

3pm - 6pm

October Week 2: Mon 19 to Fri 23
Manuel Ola	9am - 12pm 3pm - 6pm

October Week 2: Mon 19 to Fri 23

Manuel

Ola

9am - 12pm

3pm - 6pm

*60 min lessons are only available for SS4 and Club Ready.

Prices
30 mins lesson 2:1 ratio	£142.50
30 mins Lesson 1:1 ratio	£280
60 minute lesson 2:1 ratio	£285
60 minute lesson 1:1 ratio	£560

For information on the Galleon Swim School, please contact Karen or Zoe on 0131 446 6064 or email galleonswimschool@gwc.org.uk