Keeping teenagers engaged in swimming is one of the biggest challenges across the sport. National research consistently shows high dropout rates during the mid-teens, with many swimmers stepping away from the sport due to pressure, school commitments, or loss of enjoyment. Against this backdrop, Bluefins has achieved something rare: five consecutive years of growth in our 15+ age group. From 2021 to 2025, our senior swimmers have risen from 27 to 58.

For many families, joining the Skills Academy is the entry point into the world of club swimming. It can feel a little different from lessons — structured sets, squads, lane etiquette, Bluefins kit.

From Lessons to Squads — The Next Step Swimming lessons give children a fantastic foundation. They learn the strokes, gain water confidence, and start to enjoy the rhythm of regular swimming. But many families reach a stage where lessons alone no longer feel enough. Lanes can be crowded, age ranges are wide, and the opportunity for progress starts to feel limited.

At Bluefins, every swimmer belongs to a squad system matched to their commitment, ability, and ambition. Training with others on similar pathways creates the energy, challenge, and support needed for progress and enjoyment.

Whether you’re a child progressing from swimming lessons, a teenager ready to step into competitive training, or an adult keen to swim with a supportive Masters community, there’s a place for you at Bluefins.