FAQs
Do I have to stay on site while my child is having their lesson?
Yes. All children should be accompanied by a parent/carer, who must stay at the venue for the duration of the lesson.
How many in a swimming class?
Generally we have up to 8 or 9 swimmers per teacher. In the 'Beginner with Parent' classes in London there are up to 4 swimmers in a hydro pool class.
Are the teachers in the water?
No. If assistance is required for a young child we would ask their parent/carer to join them in the water.
How long is the swimming lesson?
All our swim lessons are 45 minutes.
When should I buy goggles for my child?
Goggles are worn from Improver level upwards.
The reason we discourage the wearing of goggles with less-experienced swimmers is to do with saving one’s own life; swimmers who get into difficulties in rivers, lakes, canals and the sea always suffer water in their eyes. If your child doesn’t know what this feels like and how to deal with it then they are less-likely to be able to successfully expedite a self-rescue.
Therefore, right from the start we do lots of work on submersion and dipping the face into water without goggles – though it’s all done in a fun manner, is completely painless, and nobody is made to do anything! Swimmers at Improver level or above should bring goggles to their lesson.
Does my child have to wear a swim hat?
Yes, all swimmers are required to wear a swimming hat. You can either wear your own or borrow a swim school hat.
What happens if my child can't attend a class?
Any missed lessons due to illness or otherwise are 'lost' lessons.
The swim school does not offer replacement lessons for non-attendance.
How long does it take a child to learn to swim?
Mastering swimming, like any skill, depends greatly on a number of different factors which include, age, natural ability, willingness to learn and the style of teaching. This means that each child progresses at their own rate.
At what age can children join the swim programme?
Our youngest swimmers are 2 years 6 months, who are joined in the pool by their parent/carer.
What do I need to bring to my swim assessment?
- Swim costume or trunks
- Towel
- Your smile!
How old does my child have to be to use their own gender changing room?
Children over 8 years and adults must use their own gender changing room.
Do I need to get into the water with my child?
At the swim assessment we require that all children of 6 years and under are accompanied by an adult who may be asked to enter the water with the child.
All swimmers that are graded Beginner with Adult will require a parent/carer in the water with them.
What do I need to bring to my swim clinic?
- Swim costume or trunks
- 2 Towels (one for comfort break)
- Swim hat
- Water bottle and a small snack
How long are your courses?
Our courses are usually 12 - 16 weeks long.
