Baby Swimming Lessons

Learn To Swim

Designed for infants as young as 6 weeks to toddlers aged up to 4, our classes provide a gentle introduction to the water, fostering early water confidence and bonding.

Book Baby Swimming Lessons
A happy mother holding her young toddler in the swimming pool
A little baby boy swimming with arm bands and a pool noodle

Join Our Parent and Baby Swimming Lessons – A Bonding Experience in the Water

Connect and grow TOGETHER

We create a nurturing environment for parents and their little ones to connect and develop water skills together in the water. Our lessons are more than just teaching your baby to swim; they are a beautiful opportunity for bonding, learning, and having fun.

Swim Central Swim Central Swim Central Swim Central Swim Central

creating memorable experiences

Over the lessons, your baby will develop important skills such as basic motor abilities, coordination and balance. Teaching your baby essential techniques while incorporating songs, toys and games to make each lesson fun is our speciality.

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Swimming Stages

0-12 Months
1-2 Years
2-3 Years
3-4 Years
4+ Years
Swim Central's Crab W character

Babies 0-12 months

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Swimmers will be introduced into the water with an adult. With a range of songs, rhymes and practices we will help to increase the water confidence for both of you.

We will help increase water confidence for both of you. Your baby will gain more independence as they physically grow and develop. Core aquatic skills will be introduced, allowing water abilities to be developed such as blowing bubbles.

Skills

  • ["Be held in correct holds to explore the pool","Be at ease with water showering from above","Float on back with full support"]
    Correct holds for having fun in the water
    Be at ease with water showering from above
    Float on back with full support

Safety

  • ["Safely enter and exit the pool for both adult and baby","Use safe holds throughout the lesson"]
    Safe entry and exits for baby and adult
    Use safe holds throughout the lesson
Swim Central's Jellyfish A character

Little Swimmers 1-2 Years

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Our 1 ̶ 2 year olds work on their confidence, explore the water more and develop their independence through play to encourage forward and backward travel. Songs bring lots of fun to the lessons.

Skills

  • ["Be at ease with pouring water, including face","Blow bubbles at the surface","Travel with a float on their front","Travel with a float on their back","Perform a start float with assistance","Sitting jump"]
    Be at ease with pouring water, including face
    Blow bubbles at the surface
    Travel with a float on their front
    Travel with a float on their back
    Perform a start float with assistance
    Sitting jump

Safety

  • ["Safely enter and exit the pool","Respond to signals and phrases and begin to use baby sign","Safely climbs and holds"]
    Safely enter and exit the pool
    Respond to signals and phrases and begin to use baby sign
    Safely climbs and holds
Swim Central's Shark T character

Little Swimmers 2-3 Years

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With an adult in the water, our 2–3 year swimmers will start developing more independent swims, introducing front paddles and using flotation devices. Their confidence will become stronger and they’ll be even more motivated to explore the water.

Skills

  • ["Blow bubbles at water surface","Submerge face into the water","Hold a star float","Front and back swims with float","Front paddle and back paddle swims with assistance"]
    Blow bubbles at water surface
    Submerge face into the water
    Hold a star float
    Front and back swims with float
    Front paddle and back paddle swims with assistance

Safety

  • ["Independently enter and exit the pool","Listen and respond to teacher signals"]
    Independent entry and exits
    Listen and respond to teacher signals
Swim Central's Scuba Diver E character

Little Swimmers 3-4 Years

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Our little 3–4 year swimmers can still have an adult in the water with them. We work on building up all those swimming muscles and floating techniques. More independent swimming and listening to the teacher prepares them for the transition to independent classes.

Skills

  • ["Blow bubbles","Hold breath underwater","Hold a back float","Assisted back paddle","Assisted front paddle","Jump in and submerge"]
    Blow bubbles
    Hold breath underwater
    Hold a back float
    Assisted back paddle
    Assisted front paddle
    Jump in and submerge

Safety

  • ["Confidently hold on and use a climb action to travel","Climb out of the pool independently","Listen and respond to the teacher"]
    Confidently hold on and use a climb action to travel
    Climb out of the pool independently
    Listen and respond to the teacher

Benefits of Baby Swimming Classes

Strengthens their body

Swimming strengthens your baby’s heart, lungs, and overall respiratory system. Regular swimming can also positively impact your baby’s sleep patterns and appetite, contributing to their overall well-being and health.

Stimulates their brain

The activities involved in swimming lessons stimulate your baby's brain, enhancing their learning abilities and sensory awareness in a dynamic and engaging water environment.

Life-saving skills

There has been an 85% increase in the number of child drownings in England between 2019 and 2022. Early swimming lessons are crucial for teaching babies life-saving water safety skills.

A young mother holding her baby's arms up in the water having fun
A cute baby playing in the pool
A swimming instructor and parent helping their baby to get comfortable with the water
Improves independence

Being in the water helps babies gain confidence and a sense of independence. They learn to adapt to new environments, building a foundation for lifelong curiosity and exploration.

Bonding experience

Swimming with your baby is an excellent way to strengthen your bond. It’s a shared activity that involves close physical contact and interaction, enriching your relationship.

Develop coordination

Swimming provides a unique opportunity for babies to develop coordination and balance, thanks to the natural resistance and buoyancy of water.

A mother and baby bonding in the water

Our Happy Swimmers

At Swim Central, we're committed to providing a best in class experience for our learners and casual swimmers alike.

  • My daughter has been coming for 7 months, she started when she was 6 months old and she loves it. Very clean changing rooms, lovely staff and great lessons. Would 100% recommend!

  • Took my 10-week-old son to his first lesson today at Swim Central. First time coming here and I was very impressed. The lady who showed us where to go, Katie, was lovely and so friendly as was the other lady at Reception. Didn’t catch a name. The facilities are great and Lesley was so accommodating to it being his first time there. My son loved his lesson (although not a fan of being on his back in the pool) and we are looking forward to more lessons.

  • I started taking my son here when he was 6 months old. He loves it. Nice, clean, new facilities and the staff are great. So as summary… easy to get to, ample parking, fresh clean facilities, good instructors and never feels too busy. Oh and the pool is nice and warm too, which I like.

  • My little boy has been going to his swimming lessons now since March (18 months). He’s just turned two and is building in confidence every week, and is now almost independent in the water! Laura is fantastic with the babies and my little boy looks forward to his session every week.

    The facilities are brilliant. They are lovely and spacious, and always spotless. We love it!!

  • My 20-month-old and I attend Lesley’s class on a Saturday at 9.15. We love her classes, there is always a different theme/story which I love as much as my daughter. It’s fun and you’re always welcomed with a smile. The site is kept clean constantly by the cleaner…

  • enjoy our warm,
    30-dregree baby-friendly pool

    Infants and young babies have less body fat and a less developed ability to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to getting cold quickly.

    We’ve created the ideal environment for your baby’s swimming lessons. Our pool, maintained at a warm 30 degrees Celsius, ensures the utmost comfort for your little ones who are sensitive to temperature changes.

    Guided by Swim England

    Our baby swimming classes are defined by our commitment to individual attention and a quality learning experience. We maintain small class sizes to ensure an intimate setting for focused guidance and support.

    gentle, structured
 learning

    We embrace a gentle, structured approach tailored to the unique needs of babies. Each class is designed to nurture your baby's natural curiosity and comfort in the water with a focus on gradual skill development.

    Baby floating in the water using float

    Parent-Involved Baby Swimming

    We believe in the power of shared experiences in early learning, which is why our programme actively involves you in every splash and paddle.

    A very happy little baby with her smiling mum enjoying the warm pool

    Competitive Pricing

    Our sessions are competitively priced at only £55 per month. We keep our class sizes as small as we can to ensure you and your baby get the attention you need.

    Payments are set up by direct debit for your convenience to ensure your child gets uninterrupted support for their swimming.

    Dedicated one-to-one swimming lessons for babies

    Tailored to the individual needs of your little one, our private swimming lessons for babies offer a personalised and comfortable introduction to swimming.

    Ideal for babies who thrive in a more focused setting, our private lessons are a perfect way to ensure your baby’s early experiences in the pool are positive, safe, and full of joyful learning. Join us to give your baby a head start in the water, with the flexibility and care that only private lessons can provide.

    Friendly teacher talking to her learners whilst they listen attentively

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • The pool measures 20m by 7m and has a constant depth of 1.3m.

  • Our swimming lessons are priced at just £55 per month, which includes one 30-minute lesson per week at the same time each week during your chosen time slot.

    We also offer private lessons for £99 per 30-minute session if you prefer individual attention or have specific goals.

  • No, your baby does not need to have any injections before taking swim lessons at Swim Central. We follow the guidelines set by the UK National Health Service (NHS), which state that babies can go swimming at any age, both before and after vaccinations.

    There is no increased risk of infection or adverse reactions to vaccines from swimming. If your baby experiences any mild side effects from vaccinations, such as a low-grade fever or fussiness, you can still bring them to their swim lesson, as long as they are feeling well enough.

    If you have any concerns about your baby’s health or vaccinations, please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider.

  • We understand that not every baby or toddler will immediately fall in love with the water. Some may need a little more time to adjust to this new environment. Our instructors are experienced in working with children of all comfort levels, and we’re here to support both you and your little one throughout the learning process.

    It’s important to remember that every child is different, and some may take longer to warm up to swimming than others. We encourage you to be patient and give your child time to adjust. Our instructors will use gentle techniques and adapt the lesson as needed to help your little one feel safe and secure.

    We’ve found that consistency is key. While it might be tempting to cancel a lesson if your child is hesitant, it’s often better to continue attending. This allows your child to become more familiar with the water and our instructors, gradually building their confidence and comfort level.

    Our instructors are skilled at creating a positive and playful atmosphere to help babies and toddlers feel at ease. We use songs, games, and gentle movements to make the experience enjoyable and engaging. We also encourage parents or guardians to actively participate in the lesson, providing comfort and reassurance to their child.

    If you have any concerns about your child’s experience, please don’t hesitate to talk to our instructors. We’re always happy to discuss your child’s individual needs and adjust our approach to ensure a positive and successful learning journey.

  • For our baby swim lessons, we require one parent or guardian to accompany the baby in the water. This provides a comfortable and secure experience for the baby while allowing the parent to actively participate in the lesson and bond with their little one.

    For preschool lessons (ages 3-4), children participate in the pool without a parent or guardian. Our experienced instructors are trained to work with young children and ensure their safety and comfort in the water. Parents and guardians are welcome to observe the lesson from our comfortable viewing gallery.

  • Yes, we have a comfortable viewing gallery where parents, family, and friends can relax and watch their loved ones learn and progress in the water. Younger siblings can also attend but they must be accompanied by an adult if under 12 years old.

  • Each swimming lesson at Swim Central is 30 minutes long. This intensive session allows for focused attention from our instructors and ample time for you to practice and refine your skills. Lessons are held weekly at the same time each week during your chosen time slot, making it easy to incorporate swimming into your routine. The cost for our weekly 30-minute lessons is £55 per month.

  • To make the most of your swim lesson at Swim Central, we recommend bringing a swimsuit, a large towel, goggles if required, your preferred shower supplies, and a change of clothes. We have hair dryers available in the changing rooms for use free of charge and secure lockers.

    Babies and toddlers will also need a swim diaper (reusable or disposable).

    Swim Central will provide any equipment such as floats and armbands during the lesson and we have a small store for customers to purchase any additional items they require at the front desk.

  • We offer lessons for adults of all ages and abilities

    • Babies (6 months and up): Our baby swim lessons focus on water acclimation, basic safety skills, and bonding with parents in a gentle and playful environment.
    • Children: Our children’s lessons follow a structured Learn to Swim program that teaches essential water safety skills, stroke development, and builds confidence in the water.
    • Adults: We offer adult lessons for all levels, from beginners who have never been in the water before to experienced swimmers looking to refine their technique or learn new strokes.
  • Unfortunately not, due to sharing classes with other babies we ask for no photography or videos.

  • There are up to 12 babies in the class with their parent/guardian along with the instructor.

  • We ask all babies to have two layers; this is a disposable nappy under a neoprene nappy. We sell these at Reception!

  • Unfortunately not, babies require full support from their adult and so we ask if you have siblings to either bring another adult or to join a second class.

  • Babies can start from 6 weeks, but we suggest getting the all clear from the doctor first for both mum and baby.

  • For babies and toddlers participating in our swim lessons, we do not use buoyancy aids such as life jackets or armbands. While these devices may seem helpful, they can actually restrict your child’s natural movement in the water, hindering their ability to develop essential swimming skills and water confidence.

    Our approach focuses on teaching babies and toddlers to move freely and explore their buoyancy through direct interaction with the water. This method promotes a stronger understanding of body position and balance, leading to safer and more effective swimming skills in the long run.

    Rest assured, your child’s safety is our top priority. Our experienced instructors are trained in infant and toddler water safety and maintain constant vigilance throughout the lesson to ensure your child’s well-being. Parents or guardians accompany their little ones in the pool, providing an additional layer of support and security. We also maintain small class sizes to ensure individual attention and supervision for every child.

  • No, our teachers are in the water to support you and your baby but please do keep in mind that the pool is 1.3m deep.

  • The first lesson is a gentle introduction to the water for both you and your baby, we will show how to safely enter and exit the pool together, and demonstrate a variety of holds to gain confidence and bond with your baby. Many of our activities are done as a group so you can watch and learn from each other!

  • Yes, we have a free car park on Fulwood Central. It gives you 2.5hrs but if you need longer just leave your registration plate number with reception!

  • We keep the pool heated at 30 degrees.

  • Our online booking system will show how many spaces are available for each of our classes. You can add your details to the waiting list, and this will notify you by email when a space comes available.

  • We understand that circumstances can change. If you need to cancel your swim lessons, we require notice of one full payment cycle. This ensures that we can adjust our class schedules and offer your spot to someone on our waiting list.

    E.G: Your billing date is the 1st of the month. If you cancel on March 28th, your lessons will continue until the end of March. Your final payment will be taken on April 1st, and your cancellation will be effective from May 1st onwards.

  • Payment for all swimming lessons at Swim Central is conveniently handled through a monthly direct debit system. You can easily set up your direct debit payment securely through our website when you register for your chosen class and time slot. The monthly fee covers your weekly 30-minute lesson, ensuring a hassle-free experience so you can focus on enjoying your time in the water.

  • In the rare event that Swim Central needs to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., pool maintenance, instructor illness), we will notify you as soon as possible via email or phone. You will have the option to reschedule your lesson for another time or receive a credit towards a future lesson. We understand the importance of consistency in learning to swim and strive to minimise any disruptions to your schedule.

  • Unfortunately not, due to sharing classes with others we ask for no photography or videos.

  • swimming lesson vouchers

    Give the gift of a lifetime with our Baby Swimming Lesson Vouchers. Perfect for new parents, these vouchers offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce their little ones to the joy and benefits of swimming.Our baby swimming lessons are designed for fun, safety, and early water confidence, making these vouchers an ideal present for baby showers, birthdays, or any special occasion – a thoughtful gift that goes beyond the ordinary

    Gift A swimming Voucher