FAQ

What qualifications should the swimming teacher have?

All UK swimming teachers will need to hold a swimming teachers qualification to be able to teach an adult and baby class. The teacher will either hold an ASA or STA teaching certificate at level 2. They may also hold a STA or ASA adult & child qualification, but this is not necessary.
(ASA – Amateur Swimming Association STA – Swimming Teachers Association)

Will my baby be able to swim by the end of the course?
Your baby will not be able to swim by the end of a 12 week course. Babies can not swim, the movements they do in the water are involuntary movements, as a baby develops these movements will be lost. By the end of a 12 week swimming course you would expect you & baby to be happy and confident in the water. You will have the knowledge of how to hold and support your baby.

Can I take my baby swimming between lessons?
Yes you can take your baby swimming between lessons. Taking them swimming everyday is not going to speed up the process of learning to swim.

How long will a swimming lesson be?
A baby swimming lesson should be about 30 minutes.

What if my baby is ill on the day of the lesson?
If baby is unwell on the day of the lesson you should not take them, not only is it not fair for baby but you are putting the other babies in the class at risk of catching something.
Phone the place where the lessons are taking place and explain that you can not make it this week. Some swim schools offer catch up or try to fit you in another day.

What should they wear?
All babies need to wear swim nappies. See our section on "Going Swimming" for more information

Will all the babies in the class be the same age?
In a perfect world they should be. All the babies in the class ideally should be within the same age range. (eg. 3 - 6 mths). Some swim schools will have adult and child classes that range from birth to 2 years. If this is the case the teacher will then differentiate the lesson so it is suitable for the different ages and abilities.

Should I take my baby to the pool before the swimming lesson?
If this is possible it can be a good idea as it will give you the confidence of where to go and what to expect.

What can I expect to happen in a baby swim lesson?
Lesson will usually consist of 4 parts:
The warm up – this will usually be a song with plenty of actions to get you and baby moving in the water.
Main part – this will be basic stroke work, body position
Contrasting Activity – this is an activity that is completely different from the main part, for example jumping in.
Concluding Activity – this is a concluding way to end the lesson. It may a song or a playtime activity.
In all baby lessons you would expect to see toys that are clean and brightly coloured, have lots of songs and an enthusiastic teacher.

Will I have to get in the water and will I get my hair wet?
You will have to enter the water to hold / support your baby up to the age of 3 years. Expect to get your hair wet with splashing. There should not be any swimming for you to do. If you are nervous of the water or a non swimmer tell the teacher so they will be able to support you.