Our Pools
Click on one of our pool locations for more information and directions.
South Shields: Harton Sports Centre
Harton Sports Academy, St Mary’s Avenue, South Shields, NE34 6AG.
There are 2 car parks, one that is accessed from St Mary’s Avenue and one that is accessed from Lisle Avenue. The building is the one next to the gym. If you walk past the ramp and the fire door which should be on your right-hand side and turn right into the next little cut, the entrance is around the back in the small courtyard. We would advise that you arrive early for your first session as the entrance is not signposted or obvious. The changing room are straight down the corridor and are gender specific for the adults rather than the children as we have adults swimming in baby and toddler classes.
Please bring your child/children onto the poolside where they will be met by their teachers. You must take your shoes off before walking onto poolside or use the blue cover shoes provided. You may spectate on the poolside or wait in the changing rooms or pop outside for some fresh air, as it does get rather hot! The pool temperature is 30 – 31 degrees. Children who can’t swim will wear arm floats which we provide, along with all other equipment and aids. I would also advise swimming hats for any children with long hair, but this is not compulsory as it can be tied back. Swimming goggles are encouraged, as they are beneficial for submerging activities and developing aquatic breathing techniques.
Babies and tots must wear swim nappies and are accompanied in the pool by an adult.
Hebburn: Keelman's Way School
Keelman’s Way School, Campbell Park Road, Hebburn, NE31 1QY
It is opposite where the old swimming pool in Hebburn was, just past the Longship Pub on the opposite side of the road. It has free parking and is also on a busy bus route for those of you who don’t drive. It is about a ten-minute walk from Hebburn Metro station. The school has a lovely reception area where parents and carers can sit during lessons as it is a NON-SPECTATING POOL. If you have a particularly nervous child initially you are more than welcome to stay and observe and parents/carers of children with health issues or additional needs are welcome to stay on the poolside if necessary. You will still be able to monitor your child’s progression as you will see them at the end of the lesson when you collect them.
If you wish to observe a full lesson just book this in with us so I can control numbers on poolside. The pool is approximately 32 degrees and is 0.9m – 1.1m deep. There are 2 changing rooms, the left being for dads and right for mams. Please have your child ready for a prompt start to the lesson and wait for the teachers to call them over. Children who can’t stand up or swim will wear arm floats which we provide, along with all other equipment and aids. We would also advise swimming hats for any children with long hair, but this is not compulsory as it can be tied back. Swimming goggles are encouraged, as they are beneficial for submerging activities and developing aquatic breathing techniques. Babies and tots must wear swim nappies and are accompanied in the pool by an adult.
Gateshead Leisure Centre
Gateshead Leisure Centre, Shipcote Lane, Gateshead NE8 4LA
The centre has free car parking with ample space. Please use the main entrance and the changing rooms are past reception to your left. The changing rooms are communal with private cubicles, including larger ones for parent and tot changing. The showers are also communal.
We provide swimming aids for beginners and aids and resources for all levels of swimming, including more advanced training resources that we use with our higher stages. We would also advise swimming hats for any children with long hair, but this is not compulsory as it can be tied back.
Swimming goggles are encouraged as they are beneficial for submerging activities and developing aquatic breathing techniques. Babies and tots must wear swim nappies which can be bought at any supermarket and our tots are also accompanied in the pool by an adult.
All 3 pools have spectating areas including the cafe area for the separate small pool where you can spectate through the glass.
The main pool and teaching pool have an average temperature of 30 degrees and the small pool 31 degrees. Please note temperatures can vary due to pool testing and other essential maintenance.
There is a spectator area overlooking the main pool and teaching pool so you can observe the lessons.
Gateshead: Gibside School,
Gibside School, Shipcote Lane, Gateshead, NE8 4JA
The school has free car parking with ample space. Please use the entrance on the left side of the building rather than the main reception. The changing rooms are straight ahead and, on your right, male first then female a little further down the corridor. The changing rooms are gender specific for adults as we have parents and carers swimming with our baby and toddler classes. We provide swimming aids for beginners. We would also advise swimming hats for any children with long hair, but this is not compulsory as it can be tied back.
Swimming goggles are encouraged, as they are beneficial for submerging activities and developing aquatic breathing techniques. Babies and tots must wear swim nappies and are accompanied in the pool by an adult.
Please note this is a NON-SPECTATING POOL. If you have a particularly nervous child initially you are more than welcome to stay and observe and parents/carers of children with health issues or additional needs are welcome to stay on the poolside if necessary. You will still be able to monitor your child’s progression as you will see them at the end of the lesson when you collect them. You can wait in the changing rooms, in the corridor or in your car as long as you don’t leave the school site. The teacher has your mobile phone number should we need to call you back to the pool.
