The Aquakiddies Baby Swimming Lessons ProgramThe Benefits of Swimming for Babies | FAQ's
Baby Swimming Lessons FAQ
- When can I start swimming lessons with my baby?
There is no hard and fast rule about when it is recommended to start baby swimming lessons. For mothers, we believe the right time to start is when they feel that they are ready after their six week post natal check. We also advise all mothers to consult a health professional for further advice before starting our swimming lessons for babies.
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 possess a natural ability to hold their breath underwater, 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?
Children under three years old lack the muscle power, co-ordination 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 Baby swimming lessons (and toddlers) are designed to harness a baby's natural ability to hold their breath whilst underwater and to promote freestyle strokes. Aquakiddies/Babies swimming lessons for toddlers (and babies) are designed to teach your baby to be "water-safe".
- Must my baby have completed all immunisations before joining Aquakiddies/Babies ?
We do not require babies to have been immunised before attending our baby swimming lessons. This is based on the recommendations of the NHS Direct website (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) and the STA (www.sta.co.uk).
There is no evidence to support the view that immunisation is essential before starting baby swimming lessons. 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 or take swimming lessons for toddlers. 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 before starting any swimming lessons for babies, please ask the opinion of your health visitor or GP.
- Do I need to book?
Yes! Our baby swimming lessons 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 baby swimming instructor. Click here to go to our online form or click here to contact us by another method. Bookings and payments for all swimming lessons for children are dealt with by our Head Office and not via the pool where you will attend the baby swimming classes. Payment for the baby swimming lessons course must be received at least one week before the first class.
- Why do Aquakiddies/Babies courses last only 5 weeks?
We have found that for a parent to commit to a longer period the child will invariably miss some lessons due to illness or other commitments. As the classes are paid for in advance and are non-refundable, courses longer than 5 weeks could lead to the parent paying for unattended baby swimming lessons.
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?
We do not advise parents to bring other children unsupervised to our baby swimming lessons.
- Are Aquakiddies/Babies Teachers Qualified?
Aquakiddies/Babies teachers are all STA and or ASA certified and have been taught and examined personally by our leading expert, 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 babies and young children.
- What should my baby wear?
Children not yet potty trained must wear a swimming nappy that is snug around the thighs and tummy. We are looking to avoid any accidents in the pool. These can either be disposable or reusable. We do advise you to use two nappies for babies, to ensure no leaks. Most pools require babies to wear swimming costumes also.
- What do I need to take to the swimming lessons for babies?
. 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- What precautions do I need to take?
Click here to view important notes on Health and Safety
- What shall I do if my baby is unwell?
If your baby is suffering from a heavy cold or mild viral illness they should miss the lesson. Where a child is suffering from an ear infection, the infection should be completely cleared before the baby resumes any baby swimming lessons.
- Can I get my money back for any baby swimming lesson missed?
Unfortunately not, as our costs remain the same if you miss a class or not.
- Should I take my child swimming between baby swimming lessons?
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 baby swimming 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 get a refund before my baby swimming course starts if my plans change?
Yes. There is a full, no-quibble refund if you cancel one week before baby swimming lessons start. After this, a £10 administration charge may be made. We do ask you let us know as soon as possible so that we may offer your place to someone else.
- Can I take more than one child in the water at baby swimming lessons?
No, the ratio is strictly one adult to one child.
- Do I need to be able to swim?
No. The pools are all within your depth and your feet will be firmly on the floor.
- Can anyone take my child to the baby swimming lessons?
Yes, any adult can take your child to our baby swimming classes. We are very Dad friendly and nannies, grandparents, friends and carers are all welcome at our classes. A mixture of people can take your child if you cannot make every lesson.
- Can I adapt the class exercises when I take my child swimming?
Our classes and teaching methods are designed so you may continue with the lessons and exercises when you take your child swimming. Never add to or modify any exercise that you have learned in our baby swimming lessons 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 training learned during baby swimming lessons .
Remember... keep the emphasis on playing and training at the same time. The experience should be enjoyable for you and your baby!