Caller: Hello, City Swim School.
Receptionist: Oh, hello.
Caller: I wanted to ask about swimming lessons in a class, not individual lessons.
Receptionist: Right. Well, we do group lessons at various levels. To start off with, we have what we call the Water Babies class. That’s for babies of three months and over. Research has really shown us that yes, that’s the best time to start.
Caller: Right. Well, we do have a baby, so I’ll make a note of that. What do they actually do in the lessons?
Receptionist: Well, the main aim is just to familiarize them with the water so they feel at ease there. The instructors get the children to enjoy themselves—they have lots of toys and things they can play with in the water.
Caller: Right. And how much do the lessons cost?
Receptionist: They’re held on Tuesday mornings, and each lesson costs £3.80. It’s not really a course as such.
Caller: Okay. Well, I’ll talk to my wife about that. But I was actually calling about lessons for me.
Receptionist: Okay, so are you a beginner?
Caller: Not exactly, but I’m not very good.
Receptionist: Well, the beginners’ classes are really for people who don’t have any experience of swimming. They aim to teach you techniques for breathing in the water, and they get you to do things like put your head underwater and open your eyes.
Caller: I can do that.
Receptionist: By the end of the course, they aim to have you swimming five meters.
Caller: I think I can probably just about do that.
Receptionist: Okay, so you’d be better in the intermediate class, then. That’s where you learn the main swimming strokes—front crawl, backstroke, and so on.
Caller: What about diving?
Receptionist: Yes, they teach you how to do that. And you’d also do some underwater swimming.
Caller: Not with a tank or anything?
Receptionist: Oh no, not scuba—just ordinary underwater swimming. And in the intermediate course, you also look at water safety, both in the pool and when swimming in other places.
Caller: Okay, well, that sounds like the right level for me. So how much does that cost?
Receptionist: £61 for the course—that’s 10 lessons.
Caller: Can you tell me a bit more about the class? How many people would there be in it?
Receptionist: Well, the intermediate class is usually around eight to ten. That’s what we aim for, though occasionally, it might go up to twelve.
Caller: Okay, that sounds like a reasonable size—not too many. Um, the class is for adults, is it?
Receptionist: Yes.
Caller: Okay. And just out of interest, is there an advanced class?
Receptionist: Yes. They focus on developing more efficient swimming techniques and working on your speed. They also prepare you for competitive swimming.
Caller: Okay. No, I think I’d want to start with the intermediate one, really.
Caller: Now, is there anything special I need to know?
Receptionist: Well, the classes are on Tuesdays, and the first lesson is on January 13th. So you need to register before then—January 8th is the latest. But it’s filling up quickly, so I’d do it straight away. You can pick up a form here or get one off the internet.
Caller: And classes are at 7:30 p.m.?
Receptionist: Right.
Caller: Then I just roll up with my swimming trunks. Do I have to bring my own towel?
Receptionist: That’s right. We provide all participants with a swimming hat, though.
Caller: Oh, I don’t usually wear one.
Receptionist: Well, we do insist on it, actually. It helps the instructor identify you, apart from anything else. Oh, and don’t forget—you’ll need a 20p coin for the locker.
Caller: Okay. All right. Well, I’ve been meaning to do this for ages. I really need to get more exercise, and everyone says swimming is good for your health.
Receptionist: Yes, and a lot of people find it improves their confidence too. And, of course, it could save your life—or even someone else’s.
Caller: That’s right. Okay, well, thanks very much.
Receptionist: Goodbye.
Caller: Goodbye.