Swimming Lessons

Step into The Hive Leisure Centre and discover our range of accessible and affordable swimming lessons for everyone. From baby and parent sessions tailored for our youngest swimmers to structured courses for children and dedicated lessons for adults, we cater to all individual needs. For a more personalised experience, 1-to-1 lessons are also available.

Our modern swimming pools are designed to offer a great and accessible experience for everyone.

SWIMBiES: Baby and Parent Swimming Lessons

SWIMBiES - designed for children from 3 months to school age.

Join us for fun and engaging swimming sessions that cater to our youngest swimmers. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Each lesson lasts 30 minutes, with the option to leave earlier if needed.
  • Sessions take place in a warmer teaching pool.
  • Parents stay in the pool with their child, ensuring a supportive experience.
  • Family changing rooms with baby changing stations are available.

Want to find out more? Visit SWIMBiES page for more information.

 Join SWIMBiES

Swim School: Children's Swimming Lessons

Our children's swimming classes cater to all ability levels, helping young swimmers develop lifelong skills. We offer three swim school stages:

  • Foundation (ages 4+): The first two levels take place in the teaching pool, with the final stage moving to the shallow end of the main pool.
  • Development (ages 5+): All levels take place in the main pool.
  • Academy (able to swim 200m+): Held in the main pool only.

Visit Swim School page for more information.

Lessons in the teaching pool can be viewed from the foyer area. For main pool sessions, parents can watch from the spectator area on the poolside, next to the main pool.

 Book children's swimming lessons

SEND Swimming Lessons

At The Hive Leisure Centre, we strive to make swimming accessible to everyone. Our qualified instructors provide tailored attention and adapt exercises to meet the needs of each child.

We offer specific SEN group lessons for various ages and abilities:

SEN Swim School Stages:

  • Foundation - SEND (Age 4+ with adult) - parents join their children in the small pool
  • Development - SEND (15 metres+, ages 11-17) - take place in the main pool, with no parent needed in the water
 Book SEND swimming lessons

Adult Swimming Lessons

Whether you’re learning to swim or a confident swimmer looking to hone your skills, we have options for everyone. Join one of our drop-in session for more flexibility.

Sessions available:

  • Adult swimming lessons (suitable for beginners/improvers)
  • Adult swimming coaching (best for intermediate and advanced swimmers)

Click here to find out more about adult swimming lessons.

 Book a drop in session

Private Swimming Lessons

If you're looking for a more personalised approach, try our 1-to-1 swimming lessons. Our qualified instructors will create a bespoke swimming programme tailored to you or your child's needs, supporting individual goals and abilities.

 Enquire now

Meet our Lead Swimming Teachers

Sam - Lead Teacher

My name is Sam (Samantha Naidu) and I am one of the Lead swimming Teachers here at the Hive Leisure Centre Ely. I also teach at Abbey Leisure Complex and Parkside Pools in Cambridge, two of our sister Centres.

I teach all ages and stages from 3 months old in our Swimbies program, all the way up to adults of any age in our Swim Doctor lessons.

I love teaching all of the different ages, stages and abilities. It is a very rewarding role. Knowing that you are helping people to learn a lifesaving skill, that is not only fun but also great for their health and wellbeing to have confidence in water.

Sophie - Lead Teacher

I am passionate about helping others learn to swim, understanding the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable environment for my students. 

My experience of 18 years includes, teaching students of all ages and abilities, from basic to advanced levels. I am also skilled in creating and implementing lesson plans to meet each students individual needs and goals. 

I have a deep understanding of water safety and the importance of providing quality instruction . 

Rebecca - Lead Teacher

My name is Becky Boon and I have been a swimming teacher for nearly 23 years. I really enjoy the reward I get from seeing students progress through their swimming journey. 

I like to make things fun and take great pleasure in watching students grow in confidence and in their swimming abilities. 

I enjoy learning new things within my field to keep updated and challenged.

Read customer testimonials

"Sam is engaging and always enthusiastic. We all love coming to our lessons with her." - Zoe Zielinski-Smith’s mum from Preschool swimming class.

I am really enjoy my swimming lessons. My favourite stroke is breastroke and I really like doing somersaults. I also enjoy the fun activities we do at the end of the lesson. - Nell, silver group in Development.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where do I go if it's our first time attending a lesson?
    First-time parents and children should go to the reception to collect their card. The concierge will then guide them to the appropriate location.
  2. Can I watch my child during the swimming lesson?
    Foundation Red & Amber: Parents can watch the lessons from the foyer area.
    Foundation Green, Development & Academy: Parents can watch from the spectators area on the poolside, next to the main pool.
  3. Do I need money for lockers?
    Yes, members will need a pound coin or a locker token for the lockers. Locker tokens can be purchased at reception.
  4. Do I need to pay for parking?
    No, parking is free of charge.
  5. Do I need to wear a swim hat (or does my child need to wear a swim hat)?
    For hygiene and safety reasons, we recommend that all swimmers wear a swim hat in the pool. If you don’t have one, swim hats are available for purchase at reception.

For more information go to www.better.org.uk/swimming-lessons or visit our help centre.