Lessons overview

What we'll teach you

We’ll teach you to teach your baby to swim. From lesson one, we’ll get your little one used to the sensation of the water, developing their natural instincts and transforming these into core aquatic skills.

By the end of our programme, your little one will be swimming freely using different strokes and be able to keep themselves safe in and around the water.

And not only will they be able to swim independently and have learnt a skill for life – they will have grown in confidence too.

How our lessons work

Our lessons are intimate, with a maximum of 10 little ones, a carer per child and one of our teachers in the pool at any one time.

They’re 30 minutes long and take place each week, so it’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby away from the craziness of life.

Skills are taught through song, play and repetition, so there’s never a dull moment when you’re in the pool.

Our teachers will tailor each lesson to your little one’s ability, so it’s only when they’re ready that we’re ready.

FAQs

What age can my baby start swimming?

Your baby can start swimming with us straight from birth. But if your little one is premature, always check with your doctor before starting your lessons. As long as your baby is deemed medically fit, it should be absolutely fine for them to attend lessons once they are past their due date.

How can I get my baby ready for their lesson?

Babies love familiarity, so getting them used to the water beforehand will help them prepare for the lesson.
Having a bath or shower together is the perfect place to start. Laugh, play, splash and natter with your baby to reassure them that being in the water is a fun, safe place to be.
If you can, pop down to your local pool. You don’t have to be there long, but getting them used to the atmosphere of the pool will mean they’re more relaxed for their first lesson.

What do I need to wear?

All you need is comfortable swimwear and a towel. Bring goggles if you’d like to go underwater too (make sure they have clear lenses). But don’t worry, if you’re not a confident swimmer you won’t be forced to go underwater.

Does my baby need vaccinations first?

Based on health guidelines, your baby doesn’t need to wait to have their vaccinations before starting their Water Babies journey.

If your baby is premature, please check with your health practitioner first. As soon as they’re ready, we’re ready.

What about feeding?

We’d recommend feeding your baby one hour before the lesson starts – keep the meal a light one! But, if they need milk closer to the lesson, do go ahead and feed them.

With toddlers, we advise leaving an hour between them eating solid food and them swimming. If there’s anything that you’re ever unsure about, get in touch with your local office. They’ll be happy to help.

What do I need to bring to my lesson?

Happy Nappy – Every water baby must wear our double nappy system at their lessons, which means a paper or reusable swim nappy with an approved neoprene Happy Nappy over the top. You don’t want to be the party pooper of your lesson (literally).

Changing mat – A small roll-up one so you can safely change your little one on the floor.

Towel – To keep your baby toasty after their lesson.

Wetsuit – To help keep your baby warm if they are sensitive to the cold.

Warm hat – Little heads get cold easily after swimming. A hat helps keep them cosy on the way home.

Will the water affect my baby’s eczema?

We’ve had many babies swim with us with eczema, so recommend smoothing prescribed barrier cream over the affected parts before popping them into a sun suit. If you’re ever unsure, do speak to a health professional for advice on your baby’s skin.

What should I do if either of us is poorly?

If it’s just the sniffles, then it’s fine to attend your lesson. But if either of you have a temperature, then best to give it a miss. If you or your baby have any significant illnesses, including Covid-19, ear infections, chicken pox, vomiting or diarrhoea, then please stay at home.

We also ask that any sickness or diarrhoea symptoms have completely cleared for at least 72 hours before your lesson. When it comes to any medical condition, we always ask that you check with your doctor or health practitioner before coming along to your lessons.

If you or your child has a strep A infection, you should stay away from swimming lessons for 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics. This will help stop the infection spreading to other people.

What are the changing facilities like?

Every pool provides changing room facilities which are suitable for you and your baby. Bringing your changing mat also means that no matter where your lesson is, you can easily change your baby comfortably and safely.

When should I arrive for my lesson?

Carers and babies need to be ready to jump in as soon as the class before them has finished! We would recommend arriving 15 minutes before your lesson to give you and your baby plenty of time to get ready.