Laminated cards are definitely better for use on the poolside. There’s no fear of them getting wet and theoretically, when handled correctly – we have been using them since 2009 and all cards created for our swim groups are still intact) – they last forever.

However, we are being asked more and more frequently for a digital version. The advantage of the digital version is its ease of viewing – you can jump easily from one category to another without searching through heavy (yes, laminated cards are heavy!) folders (yes, we file the laminated cards in waterproof ring-binders). The digital version is ideal for preparing the swim lesson and I’m glad to tell you that soon there will be the option of adding swim lessons yourself.

Another advantage is the option of showing the illustrations in full-screen mode (the largest version of the laminated cards is A4 but only for selected cards). A decommissioned laptop or even a large television would certainly provide better service than an iPad or smartphone but it must be protected from water splashes. Mobile phones and iPads already have waterproof cases and screens can also be protected appropriately.