Preparing for swimming lessons

Your child sets the pace

Our swimming lessons run for 50 weeks of the year (excluding bank holidays) and are a rolling programme, which means pupils are allowed to progress at their own pace, only moving up to the next class when we are confident they have met all the necessary criteria to do so. (They do not have to wait until the end of a “term” to move up). All Be.Broxbourne classes and the progression through them are aligned with the Swim England’s Learn to Swim pathway. You can find more information about the criteria and skills taught in each class, as well as how we assess your child and which colour hat relates to which class here

As well as all lessons being taught by teachers with a minimum Level 2 teaching qualification, we also include all award certificates, swimming hats and free swimming.

It is important your child swims as regularly as possible in order to build their strength and confidence, which is why all members of our swim school can swim free of charge at public swim sessions. Parking is also free whilst your child is having their swimming lesson. If your child is having swimming lessons at Laura Trott Leisure Centre you will be given a parking permit for the adjacent public carpark. At John Warner Sports Centre, all parking is free. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to get to your child’s class and to change and take them to the toilet before their class.

Prepare in advance for your child’s swimming lesson. Please do not bring your child to the pool if they show any signs of being unwell, or if they have been unwell in the past 24hrs.

Parent and Child lessons – tips to make your visit a good experience for both of you

We have a lockable buggy park in the changing village, please ask at Reception for a token for the lock. Your baby/toddler will need a special swim nappy, these can be purchased at Reception. We have changing tables in the changing village. Your child’s swim suit should be made of either neoprene or polyester as this fabric will help to keep your baby warm when wet, and will dry quickly. The costume should also be easy to get on and off. You’ll also need a bath towel to wrap up your baby warmly after swimming – you can get children’s towels with a hood to keep heads dry. A hat and a warm outer layer is also a good idea after swimming, to keep your baby warm on the way home. Babies lose heat quickly through through their extremities, so don’t forget socks.

Junior Swimming lessons

Your child will need suitable swimwear for learning to swim, and this should be a one-piece costume or trunks/shorts. Shorts should not extend below the knee as this could hamper their swimming. Goggles are a good idea as they can protect eyes from chlorine and help them see underwater – you can buy suitable goggles at Reception. You’ll also need a good size towel to dry them off properly, and you may want to bring shower gel or shampoo if your child needs to shower before or after their swim. Your child will be given a branded latex swimming hat at their first lesson. The colour of the hat is specific to their lesson and helps life guards to recognise children who may be in trouble, as well as helping teachers to identify their class. To wear the hat correctly, the hat should be held firmly onto the forehead whilst the hat is pulled over the rest of the head. All hair should be tucked into the hat, long hair is easiest when tied up. All flotation devices are supplied as part of your lesson fees. Ensure your child has a warm layer to wear when they are leaving the pool, as children lose heat quickly.

We want everybody to enjoy swimming lessons as safely as possible, so we ask that you observe a few basic rules when you visit.

Most importantly, a parent, guardian or responsible adult must be in the spectator area throughout your child’s lesson in case your child needs to go to the toilet or feels unwell at any point. It is a good idea to take your child to the toilet before their lesson starts. Whilst they are in the water, watch out for signs your child needs to go to the toilet and take them out of the water in good time.

Water and wet surfaces can be dangerous so try to wear clean, sensible shoes on poolside. Shoe covers are provided at the entrance to changing areas.

Please ensure any children in your care are supervised and discouraged from running around.

Please don’t leave personal belongings unattended in changing cubicles or unsecured in lockers as this is frustrating for other users and may result in the items going missing or being placed in lost property. The lockers at John Warner Sports Centre lock with a returnable 20p coin. At Laura Trott Leisure Centre you will need a small padlock. Combination padlocks are available to hire or purchase at Reception.

A quick guide to swimming lessons with Be.Broxbourne

• How long are swimming lessons? Swimming lessons are 30 minutes long, with the exception of Swim Trainer which is 60 minutes.

• How often do swimming lessons take place? Swimming lessons take place every week of the year with the exception of Bank Holidays, and a break over Christmas and New Year holiday.

• Do Swimming Lessons take place on Bank Holidays? Swimming lessons do not take place on Bank Holidays. If your swimming lesson falls on a Bank Holiday you will receive a credit for that lesson.

• What happens if the centre has to cancel my swimming lesson? From time to time we may have to cancel a swimming lesson, for example if there is a swimming gala or we have to close the pool for maintenance. It is important to keep your contact details up to date so we can contact you at short notice. You will receive a credit for any lessons we cancel.

• What happens if my child cannot attend their lesson? If you are unable to attend a lesson for any reason, you will not receive a credit for that session.

• What happens when my child moves up a group? If the Swimming Coordinator moves your child up to another class we will endeavour to put your child in a class at the same or similar day or time. This is not always possible as the next class may be full; the Swimming Coordinator will liaise with you to find a suitable time. This may mean you have to wait a few weeks until a space becomes available, the more flexible you are the easier this will be.

• What happens if i need to change the time or day of my child’s class? You will need to liaise with the swimming coordinator, and you may have to wait a few weeks for a suitable place to become available.