Early Years Swimming FAQ

How warm is the pool?

Our sits at a lovely 30 C. Though the air temperature may make this feel cooler initially. We recommend that little ones wear a baby wetsuit to keep them a little warmer during their lessons. Your teacher will include some other tips during your lessons on how to keep warm.

How can we prepare for our swimming lesson?

Babies love familiarity, so getting them used to the water before hand will help them to prepare for the lesson. Having a bath or shower together is the perfect place to start. Take time to get to know the water, its feel and its sound. Cradle your baby, play and sing together, see if your baby enjoys light sprinkles on their hands and feet. All of these are reassuring your baby that being in the water is fun and safe place to be.

What are the changing facilities like?

We provide changing room facilities which are suitable for both you and your baby. With a number of baby changing tables and high chairs available for use during your lesson. Though we recommend that your bring a small roll up changing mat so you can safely and comfortably change your little one anywhere if required.

What do I need to bring?

Swim Nappy - Little ones should wear both a swim nappy with a neoprene nappy over the top to minimise the chance of any little accidents. single use nappies are available to purchase at reception if required.

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

Towel - To wrap up warm after your lesson.

Changing mat - A small roll up changing mat so you can safely and comfortably change your little one. We have a number of baby changers and high chairs available for use during your lesson too.

Does my baby need vaccinations first?

According to NHS guidance, "You can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. It does not matter if they have not yet completed their course of vaccinations" If you are unsure about attending you can always discuss this with your health practitioner first. If your baby is premature please check with your health practitioner before signing up for a block of lessons. When they're ready, we are too.

Is it safe for my baby to go under water?

Absolutely, Babies are born with a reflex called the 'laryngeal reflex' (gag reflex) This kicks into action when your baby feels water on their face, nose or throat. When your baby goes under the water the soft tissue at the back of their throat closes over. Using their natural reflexes we prepare them to go under the water through word
association. As they grow older and this reflex fades, controlling their breathing becomes a learned response. Don't worry, we will work on this together and we will never submerge a baby that isn't ready or prepared to go under.

Should we attend class if either of us are poorly?

If its a light cold, or a bit of the sniffles then it is fine to attend your lesson. If either of you have a temperature then it is best to give it a miss. If you or your baby have any significant illnesses such as, ear infections, chicken pox, vomiting, diarrhoea, covid then please stay at home. Please do not attend your lesson if sickness and diarrhoea symptoms have not completely cleared for at least 72 hours before your lesson.

Will there be other dad's in the class?

We are often asked if there will be other dad's in the class and the answer is yes! Our class participants do vary but we very often have a mixture of mum's, dad's, grandparents, aunts and uncles. We love meeting all caregivers to your little ones and they enjoy the close holds and moves with baby that create lovely memories and lifelong bonds.