This section may help to answer any questions or concerns that
you may have regarding our classes.
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions along with links to the relevant information where appropriate.
Should you have any questions that are not answered within our web site, please contact us. Click here to view our contact details.
When can I start swimming with my baby?
Will my child be able to swim?
Must my baby have completed all immunisations
before joining Aquakiddies/Babies ?
Do I need to book?
Why do Aquakiddies/Babies courses last only 5 weeks?
Can I bring my other children along?
Are Aquakiddies/Babies Teachers Qualified?
What should my baby wear?
What do I need to take to the class?
What precautions do I need to take?
What shall I do if my baby is unwell?
Should I take my child swimming between classes?
Can I adapt the class exercises when I take my child swimming?
• When can I start swimming with my baby? <back to top>
Early exposure to water is strongly recommended as it encourages the desire to swim whilst reducing the chances of a child developing aquaphobia. Young babies posess a natural ability to hold their breath underwater, this is known as the "mammalian diving response". It is a reflex action and it is therefore wise to encourage this early on and make swimming and safe "water-play" part of your child's normal life activities.
• Will my child be able to swim? <back to top>
Children under 3 years old lack the muscle power, coordination
and the motor-skills to hold their head above the water surface and breathe.
Therefore, they are too young to learn the more structured swimming and breathing
techniques required to master swimming strokes.
Aquakiddies/Babies classes are designed to harness a baby's natural ability of holding
their breath whilst underwater to promote a young baby to swim freestyle (doggy
paddle).
Aquakiddies/Babies classes are designed to teach your baby to be "water-safe".
•Must my baby have completed all immunisations before joining Aquakiddies/Babies ? <back to top>
There is no evidence to support the view that immunisation is essential before swimming. A study carried out in Cologne in 1997 showed that there was no greater incidence of infection in babies that swam compared to babies that did not visit swimming pools. The chlorine or ozone in modern swimming pools makes the likelihood of transmitting infections such as polio or tetanus extremely unlikely. Therefore the immunisation status of your baby is not a major factor. However, if you feel you need further reassurance, ask the opinion of your health visitor or GP.
• Do I need to book? <back to top>
Yes! Our class sizes are strictly limited to a maximum of 12 children (plus one parent or carer). It is not possible for you to turn up at a class and pay the instructor. Click here to go to our online form or click here to contact us by another method. Bookings and payments are dealt with by our Head Office and not via the pool where you will attend the classes. Payment for the course must be received at least one week before the first class.
• Why do Aquakiddies/Babies courses last only 5 weeks? <back to top>
We have found that for a parent to commit to a longer period (i.e.:
a school term) the child will invariably miss some lessons, due to illness or
other commitments such as holidays. As the classes are paid for in advance and
are non-refundable, courses longer than 5 weeks would lead to the parent paying
for unattended classes.
Another advantage is that we are able to run many 5 week courses throughout
each year - providing more choice to the parent.
• Can I bring my other children along?<back to top>
We do not advise parents to bring other children. However, Aquakiddies/Babies is flexible enough to understand that occasionally this is unavoidable. We will allow a child to stay on the poolside although we cannot provide supervision for non-participating children during class times. Please note that the activities of the non-participating child are solely your responsibility and cannot be covered by Aquakiddies/Babies insurance.
• Are Aquakiddies/Babies Teachers Qualified?<back to top>
Aquakiddies/Babies teachers have been taught and examined by our head
instructor and Aquakiddies/Babies Company Director; Miss Julie Ann James.
All Aquakiddies/Babies instructors are fully qualified swimming instructors and RLSS
qualified lifeguards.
All instructors hold current first aid qualifications and are fully insured
to teach for Aquakiddies/Babies . For more information on Aquakiddies/Babies
Instructors, click
here.
• What should my baby wear?<back to top>
Children under the age of two must wear a tight fitting aquanappy. Click here to view details of how to buy an Aquanappy. Most pools do insist that all swimmers wear a swimming costume of some kind.
• What do I need to take to the class?<back to top>
• Aquanappy. Click here to view details
of how to buy an Aquanappy, nappy bags etc.
• Nappy bag, clean nappy & creams etc. Some Mums like to take a changing
mat too.
• A snack (or warm bottle if you are bottle-feeding) for after the swim
. Click here to view important notes on Health and
Safety
• A towel, preferably one with a hood or a towelling dressing gown
• A few of your baby's bath toys to play with
• Swimwear and towel for you
Aquakiddies/Babies classes do not use any floatation aids when teaching
a child to swim.
• What precautions do I need to take?<back to top>
Click here to view important notes on Health and Safety
• What shall I do if my baby is unwell?<back to top>
If your baby is suffering from a heavy cold or mild viral illness it is best that they miss the lesson. Where a child is suffering from an ear infection, the infection should be completely cleared before resuming classes.
• Should I take my child swimming between classes?<back to top>
Yes, it's a good idea to take your child swimming between classes.
However, don't overdo it. One extra swimming session a week is sufficient during
a course.
If you are in between courses, we recommend that you take your child to a pool
at least three times over any five week period to ensure they remember the skills
they have learnt.
• Can I adapt the class exercises when I take my child swimming?<back to top>
Our classes and teaching methods are designed so you you may continue
with the lessons and exercises when you take your child swimming.
Never add to or modify any exercise that you have learnt in our class environment
when you are on your own. That way, you will not only ensure the health, safety
and well-being of your child but also reinforce the lessons learned during class.
Remember... keep the emphasis on playing and training at the same time. The experience should be enjoyable for you and your baby!
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