Swimming Lesson Information

• We offer adult & child swimming lessons in two age groups - 12 weeks to 2 years and 2 years to 3.5 years.  Toddlers can move into a Duckling group (without a parent in the water) from the September BEFORE they start the reception year at school.

• 30 minute adult & child lessons are held weekly during term time only .  The same adult does not need to go in each week, but this does help for continuity.  The adult does not need to be able to swim as the pool is only 1.1m deep.  There are up to 4 adult-child pairs in a group, with a Swim England qualified baby & preschool instructor.

• All babies and toddlers must wear a double barrier nappy system - a swim nappy with a neoprene over nappy.  All swimmers must shower properly before entering the water.

• We provide all floatation aids, toys and pre-planned themed lessons.

• The water is 31-32 degrees Celsius.

• There are no hoisting facilities on this pool.

• Duckling lessons are suitable from the September BEFORE a child starts the reception year at school, through to around 6 years of age.

• Lessons are 30 minutes long and run weekly, term time only.  The instructor is in the water with the children, and parents/guardians may watch the lessons from our viewing room.

• There are usually 4 children to a group (occasionally 5).

• Children will work through Swim England's Duckling award scheme, before moving onto the Learn to Swim program.  This provides a "learn through play" approach which children find fun and engaging, and embeds core swimming fundamentals and confidence ready for the Learn to Swim program. 

• Any children with bowel incontinence or who are "at risk" of a bowel movement while in the pool must wear a double barrier nappy system - a swim nappy with a neoprene over nappy.  All swimmers must shower properly before entering the water.

• We provide all floatation aids and equipment needed for the lesson.  Your child must have their hair tied back and may bring goggles (no masks please).

• The water is 31-32 degrees Celsius.

• There are no hoisting facilities on this pool.

• We follow Swim England's Learn to Swim framework for children aged 6-11 years.

• Children aged 4-6 years may join this program providing they have completed the Duckling awards (or equivalent scheme).  

• You don't have to start at Stage 1 - if you've been swimming elsewhere please contact us for a chat.

• Lessons are 30 minutes long and run weekly, term time only.  An instructor will be in the water with the children up to around Stage 3/4 at which point they may teach from poolside.  Parents/guardians may watch the lessons from our viewing room.

• There are usually 4 children to a group (occasionally 5).

• We generally grade awards at the end of each school term. 

• Any children with bowel incontinence or who are "at risk" of a bowel movement while in the pool must wear a double barrier nappy system - a swim nappy with a neoprene over nappy.  All swimmers must shower properly before entering the water.

• We provide all floatation aids and equipment needed for the lesson.  Your child must have hair tied back and may bring goggles (no masks please).

• The water is 31-32 degrees Celsius.

• There are no hoisting facilities on this pool.

• Due to the nature of our pools we cannot provide group lessons for secondary school children and adults - we simply don't have the space!  We can, however, offer private 1-2-1 lessons and tailor each session to the needs of the individual.

• Whether you are learning to swim for the first time, can only swim one stroke and want to expand into others, or are training for an event and need some stroke analysis, we are here for you.

• We can offer a choice of pools(please enquire about which pool has a hoist before booking, if this is required), and can help you achieve your best swimming potential, regardless of age, ability and experience.

• Lessons are 30 minutes long and run weekly, term time only.  Depending on your needs the instructor may either be in the water with you or on poolside.

• Both pools have endless swim jets - like running on a treadmill (you are not going anywhere) the jets provide a similar experience, meaning you can focus on working on your strokes and not avoiding other people.

• We provide all floatation aids and equipment, you just need your swim kit and goggles if you choose to use them.

• Triathletes are welcome to wear clean wetsuits, however, we cannot adjust the pool temperature for you.

• The water is 31-32 degrees Celsius.

• We warmly welcome children with SEND to our facilities.  Due to the nature of our pools, and the differing and sometimes complex needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, we offer private 1-2-1 lessons.

• If you are not sure whether your child needs 1-2-1 or could go into a group lesson, please contact us and we will work with you to understand the needs of your child and what we can offer.

• Private 1-2-1 lessons are tailored to the needs of each child.  We will work with you to get a good understanding of your child's likes and dislikes, how they communicate and follow instructions, any special interests that can be used for engagement, and what the desired end goal is.

• Some children will learn to swim all 4 strokes with all the associated skills, whilst others will simply enjoy sensory time in the water.  We have open lines of communication and are happy to work with your OT, physiotherapist and outside organisations.  We can also provide reports for EHCP evidence.

• Any children with bowel incontinence or who are "at risk" of a bowel movement while in the pool must wear a double barrier nappy system - a swim nappy with a neoprene over nappy.  All swimmers must shower properly before entering the water.

• We provide all floatation aids and equipment needed for the lesson.  Your child must have their hair tied back and may bring goggles (no masks please).

• The water is 31-32 degrees Celsius.

• We have a fully accessible wet room with ceiling tracker hoist.  Very large wheelchairs may struggle in this space - so please contact us if you'd like to come and take a look around first.

• All our teaching staff are fully qualified for their role, have an appropriate lifesaving/water rescue qualification, have received swimming specific safeguarding training and are DBS checked.  A qualified first aider will also be on site.  We have a fully stocked first aid kit and defibrillator on site.  An assistant teacher or aquatic helper may also be present.

• Should your usual teacher be unavailable, a suitable cover teacher will be provided who will meet the above requirements and be fully appraised on your swimming needs.

• We regularly assess all swimmers for awards. We need to see each award skill preformed competently a minimum of 3 times. You can check award progress by logging onto our web-based app.  A link to this is emailed when you sign up for lessons.

• Please park with consideration in our carpark - make friends with the people in your class and agree to block each other in.  Please do not block the surrounding businesses or lane.

• We are a shoe-free premises. Please remove your outdoor shoes on entry. You can bring indoor sliders/flipflops to wear inside. Due to fire regulations buggies, prams and car seats are not permitted inside. Please bring the absolute minimum with you.

• Please arrive with time to change and shower before your lesson. Please do not leave any belongings in the changing rooms.

• Long hair must be tied securely back, and preferably in a swim cap. Goggles may be worn (no masks please).

• No jewellery, plasters, fancy bobbles/headbands/clips.

• Ensure you/your child has used the toilet before the lesson starts.

• Swimmers who wear nappies or a slip must have an appropriate swim nappy/slip with neoprene “happy nappy” over the top.

•  If your child has had sickness and/or diarrhoea, or is feeling unwell, we ask that you follow the same rules that apply with school/education providers and do not attend until at least 48 hours after the last bout of sickness/diarrhoea. Should your child have sickness or diarrhoea whilst in one of our pools this is likely to result in us having to close the facilities for cleaning, and as a small business this significantly impacts on our sustainability. Thank you for your support and understanding.

• You are welcome to watch your child (or bring a support person) from the viewing room. The viewing room will be shared with parents of those having group lessons. Those having one to one lessons are welcome to stay on poolside – this is not possible for group lessons.

• Do not get involved in the teaching of the lesson unless the teacher specifically asks for your input.

• MOBILE PHONES – mobile phones are not permitted within the changing rooms or showers. If you are seen with your phone in hand you will be asked to put this away. Please do not photograph or film your child in the pool without the express permission of the instructor. This is only allowed when there are no other swimmers in the pool. Do not distract the instructor while they are teaching.

• Payments are made by direct debit on the 1st of each month. The cost of 39 annual lessons is split equally into 12 monthly payments. This means that we have already taken into account school holidays, so you are paying a flat rate regardless of how many lessons are in that month.

• If we have to cancel a lesson for any reason we will credit it to your account. If you cannot make your lesson for any reason we do not refund, credit or offer a make-up lesson.

• If the swimmer is undergoing an operation please let us know in advance. We will credit any lessons this impacts providing you keep paying your direct debit. Evidence from the doctor/hospital will be required.

• If you cancel your direct debit you will lose your space and be placed back on the waiting list.

• 4 weeks minimum notice will be given for any price increase.

• We appreciate we can’t keep all our swimmers forever. If you feel you’re coming to the end of your swimming journey with us please send an email to contactus@aquathlete.co.uk

• Your notice period is to the end of the current half term – so you just need to let us know that you will be finishing at October half term, Christmas, February half term, Easter, May half term, or the summer holidays. We don’t accept cancellations between these times, and you will still be charged.

• When you have served notice via email we will let you know the date of your last lesson and will cancel your direct debit so no further payments will be taken.

• We reserve the right to terminate your contract with immediate effect if we deem it in the best interest of our team and our business. Reasons include and are not limited to: behavioural, pool incidents, damage, slander, online abuse, payment arrears. We will seek legal advice and compensation where necessary.

• If your swimmer is unwell, please let us know they are not attending by texting 07914 540701 with as much notice as possible. This will allow the instructor to plan their lessons accordingly.

• 48 hours minimum MUST have past following the last episode of sickness and diarrhoea. For other illnesses please contact us for advice (chicken pox etc). There are some contagious infections where swimmers must quarantine from the pool as the chlorine does not kill the virus/bacteria. These cases are rare and will be dealt with individually.

Any damage must be reported in the first instant.  If necessary, we will pass on any costs of repair to yourself.  Damage includes incidents of sickness and diarrhoea in the pool water.  The cost to us for pool water contaminants can be upwards of £600 so ensuring you only swim when your child is well and is wearing the appropriate swimwear will help avoid any such incidents.

• Our staff are here to ensure every swimmer gets the most from their sessions. All parents, guardians and children are expected to treat everyone on site, including other parents, guardians, children and staff members with respect and dignity at all times. We do not tolerate any form of abusive or disrespectful behaviour and have the right to terminate lessons immediately if necessary.

• If you have any concerns, please raise these first with any team member who will escalate your concerns to the management. You do not need to deal with any issues yourself.

• You are welcome to visit site before lessons start or to call for a chat if you have any questions or concerns.

• The use of mobile phones in the changing rooms is strictly prohibited.  

• Where deemed appropriate, you are welcome to photograph your own child during their lesson if the instructor says it is ok.  Please seek consent from the instructor but do not disturb the main lesson (ask at the beginning or end).  Please do not photograph or video any other children or the instructor (without their direct consent) including in the background of your image.

• We reserve the right to request you delete any content deemed to be obtained without authorisation, and will report any matters to the authorities considered to be safeguarding issues to the relevant authorities.