Swimming lessons FAQs
We hope the following FAQs will answer your questions about our private swimming lessons. If you have any other questions, just get in touch and we will be happy to help!
Yes, our lessons are suitable for people with water anxiety. Our instructors have extensive experience supporting nervous swimmers and use gentle, confidence‑building techniques to help you overcome fear, make steady progress, and begin enjoying the water at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Unlike many swim schools, we operate all year round and are able to offer lessons also on many Bank Holidays. Simply enquire about the dates you are interested in.
Yes — in most cases you can continue lessons with the same instructor. Our instructors usually work at the same venue on the same day or across multiple days, so you can book sessions that align with their schedule. If an unexpected situation arises, such as your instructor being unwell, we will arrange another qualified instructor to teach your lesson.
The most cost effective way to take lessons is to book in ‘blocks’ of lesson, and that’s how most of our customers book with us. However if you are unsure and want to try us out then you can always book a single lesson. Remember that all our lessons are backed by our progression guarantee so there is no reason not to book more than one lesson!
Most likely, we have dealt with many clients with special needs and several of our instructors have additional interest or qualifications in this respect. Why not phone the office today on 0330 111 29 29 to discuss your particular needs?
We primarily offer one-to-one lessons as we feel this is the best way to learn or progress your swimming. However if you want to improve your swimming with family members or friends of a similar ability then lessons can be arranged on a 1-2-2 or 1-2-3 basis (no more than three people can be in a lesson with our instructors). Different rates apply to 1-2-2 and 1-2-3 lessons, please ask for details.
We offer flexible scheduling so you can book multiple sessions in a short period and create your own intensive swimming programme. Our sister company, HydroKidz, also provides intensive 1‑2‑1 lessons during school holidays. Contact our customer service team now for more information.
Yes, unlike a lot of companies, we encourage our teachers to get in the water when needed to either demonstrate, support, or otherwise assist you in the learning process.
You’ll have access to our online portal, where you can view your swimming report after each lesson and see how you’re improving.
We accept most major debit or credit cards (except American Express) either via our website or by telephone payment to our office. We do not accept cash/cheques nor direct bank payments.
Lessons are generally either 30 or 60 minutes in duration. Most childrens’ lessons are 30 minutes, most adults 60 minutes, but this is dependent on your goals and needs. Why not phone the office today on 0330 111 29 29 to discuss which would be best for you?
That’s a tough one. How long is that piece of string? During your first lessons we will discuss your current abilities and your goals and set lesson plans that are sensible. Your instructor is the best person to give you a reasonable answer to this question once you have had a lesson or two with him or her.
If you would like to have the flexibility to cancel or rearrange lessons with just 24 hours’ notice we offer a fully flexible option (our ‘flexi’ blocks) for a small additional charge. If you are unable to give us 24 hours notice then unfortunately your lesson will be forfeited, although you are welcome to offer the lesson instead to a relative or friend.
Definitely not, we are just as happy helping someone overcome a fear of water or learn to swim, to helping an athlete shave a second off a lap time. Our instructors are chosen for their ability and enthusiasm for teach people of all ages and abilities.
We teach swimming to people from around 2 years upwards and our oldest client (so far) is 78. You are never too old to learn to swim, improve your fitness or technique, and to have fun.
Along with your usual swimwear and goggles, please bring your required floats to each lesson. Adults will need one large kickboard and one pool noodle, while children should bring two small kickboards and one pool noodle, as confirmed in your booking. Some venues may also require a swimming cap — your confirmation will specify if this applies. If you need to purchase floats, goggles, caps, swimwear, or other swimming essentials, SwimExpert customers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount at theSwimmingShop.com
All our instructors are fully qualified ASA or STA Level 2 swimming teachers, with many holding additional certifications. You can learn more about your instructor on our team page.
Generally from 930am to 545pm weekdays and 830am – 430pm on Saturdays (check our contact page for up to the minute changes) and often emails are monitored and responded to outside this time too. We aim to offer the best customer service possible and you will find our team helpful and just as enthusiastic about your swimming as you are!
Yes if, for example, you have two children then you can book a block of lessons and decide which child is to have which of the lessons.
Yes. All our venues allow a parent to watch their child having a lesson – some from poolside others from a viewing area. Facilities for more than one parent to view may be limited at some venues so please respect this one parent rule in this instance.
Yes, we gain many new clients from customer recommendations and we are happy to reward you with a free lesson to say thank you.
Yes, you will need to bring your own towel. Towels are not provided at any of our venues (although some may charge for one if you forget to bring your towel with you)
Yes — in most cases you can continue lessons with the same instructor. Our instructors usually work at the same venue on the same day or across multiple days, so you can book sessions that align with their schedule. If an unexpected situation arises, such as your instructor being unwell, we will arrange another qualified instructor to teach your lesson.
You may only use the hotel pool whilst you are having lessons with us. However, many of our venues offer the ability to swim before or after your lesson for a small charge – please enquire directly at the leisure reception. Family members may also be able to obtain a day or session pass as well.
We can follow the National Plan and can assess levels and award badges accordingly. Once you have passed a particular stage then you can purchase an award and badge from our webshop.
We offer flexible scheduling so you can book multiple sessions in a short period and create your own intensive swimming programme. Our sister company, HydroKidz, also provides intensive 1‑2‑1 lessons during school holidays. Contact our customer service team now for more information.
You’ll have access to our online portal, where you can view your swimming report after each lesson and see how you’re improving.