Swimming Lesson Frequently Asked Questions

Are swimming lessons right for me/ my child?

Yes, absolutely! Everyone should, and can, learn to swim. It's a great form of exercise and a very important life skill.


What is the best age to start learning to swim?

The earlier the swimmer starts, the better a swimmer they will eventually become (in most cases). Getting an early introduction to the water can foster confidence and understanding of water safety for life. We start our lessons from just 3 months old.


Do we take on adult learners?

Yes! It's never too late to learn to swim. Currently we take on adults solely on a 1:1 basis.


How long will I need to have lessons for?

Everyone should have lessons until they are competent swimmers. This means that they will be able to complete the 4 key competencies:

  • Swim 100m comfortably without stopping. (4 lengths of a standard leisure centre pool)
  • Float to live- float on the back with face out of the water and breathe continuously for 30 seconds.
  • Swim in clothes
  • Tread water for 30 seconds.

Everyone learns at their own rate, depending on a number of factors, such as age, confidence, focus, comprehension and coordination.


Will I have to be in the water with my child?

Parents of children under 3.5 years will most likely need to be in the water in a group lesson. Children older than this will usually be in with their instructors, or, in the case of more able swimmers, without adult support in the water.


What do I need to bring?

Swimwear and a towel for anyone going in the water. Children who are under 3 or not yet toilet trained will need tonuse a double nappy system. This is a swim nappy, with a tight neoprene nappy over the top to prevent any leaks, for example a "Hapoy Nappy". Goggles are recommended and swimmers with long hair should wear a swim cap. All other equipment will be provided.


Will children need to wear armbands?

We prefer not to use armbands, and will only use them in rare circumstances. They can have their uses, but often do more harm than good.


How will my child's progress be tracked?

Your child will be assessed by their teacher throughout the term. At the end of each term children will be presented with a certificate to show what progress they have achieved. We follow the International Learn to Swim Programme (ILSP) which can be found on the STA website, if you'd like to know more.


Can I start in the middle of a term?

Yes! We can get you started at any time.


How does payment work?

You can start with a 2 lesson trial. This gives our new swimmers and idea of what to expect from lessons before signing up to a term.


How long is a lesson?

Most of our lessons are 30 minutes. For more advanced swimmers, we have lessons of 45 minutes at Walthamstow Hall, which include lifesaving skills and more!


Are there lessons in the holidays?

The main lessons run by school term. However we do occasionally run crash courses in the holidays. These are 4 or 5 day courses, run on consecutive days. The advantage of this is that progress is usually a lot quicker than if you are swimming just once a week.


How much swimming should I do per week?

It depends on how fast you want to learn. Many beginner swimmers do just one 30 minute lesson each week, whereas elite swimmers might swim 16 or even more hours a week. Most learners should make good progress with one lesson and one practice a week.


 

 

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