FAQs

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.