Swimming Lessons at Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium

Step into Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium 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 pool is 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.
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.

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Dippers

Dippers baby swimming sessions give you time to bond with your child while we teach you and your child water basics.

Entry at three months to cruising (approx. 12-18 months).

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Splashers (12 - 24 months)

Following on from Dippers, Splashers infant swimming sessions are a great way to grow your child's water confidence with you right beside them. Entry after completing Dippers or children walking (approx. 12 to 18 months) to two years.

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Paddlers (24 - 36 months)

Moving on from Splashers, Paddlers sessions build on the fundamentals and prepare them for swimming independently. These infant swim lessons are designed for those who have completed Splashers or for children aged three to four years old.

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Before the Lesson

Before taking the plunge, think carefully about whether you, as a parent, and your child are ready for the class. You can do this by asking yourself these questions:

• How long the journey will take you and how you’re going to get to the class?

• How long will it take you to change yourself and your child?

• What is the best time to attend a lesson with feeds and naps in mind?

• How long will it take you to change yourself and your child?

• Is there somewhere at the pool or leisure centre where you feel comfortable for feeding after the lesson?

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What to Expect

Once you’ve met your teacher, you’ll get in the water with your infant. You’ll need to get low in the water so that it’s at eye level with your child.

Your teacher will then explain how to hold your child correctly and get started with the class.

At the end of class, your teacher may give you tasks to complete during bath time at home to increase water confidence or enhance skills through repetition.

We also encourage socialising with other parents, as this is a great way to expand your social circle and make new, like-minded friends.

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After the Lesson

Once you’ve completed your lesson, here are some things to bear in mind:

• Ensure a towel for your child is within easy reach after the lesson, as they feel the cold much more than we do.

• Your child is likely to be hungry and tired after the lesson, so ensure you pack a feed or snack.

• Encourage family swimming outside lesson time so that not all swimming sessions are structured. Recreational swimming can provide an opportunity for children to try out skills at their own pace, without the need to feel like they have to perform when asked.

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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+): This starts a Red class with a teacher in the water, moving to Amber then Green.
Development (ages 5+): This is more advance swimming to Foundation working toward whole length swimming.
Academy (able to swim 200m+): This is distance swimming
Visit Swim School page for more information or further description in the class grouping below.

Lessons can be viewed from the foyer area.

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Swim School: Children's Swimming Lessons

Foundation Class

Our Foundation swimming lessons are perfect for children aged 4 and up, as well as beginners and those who are new to swimming and are 9 years old or older. These lessons focus on teaching them how to safely navigate in and around water.

The Foundation classes are divided into three levels, each building upon the previous one. They are carefully designed to help kids develop water confidence, learn essential swimming skills, and master stroke development techniques.

By the end of the course, your child will have learned the basics of all four swimming strokes and be able to swim 10 meters unassisted.

We use the same structure for the SEND swimming lessons.

Development Class

Our Development classes are perfect for children who have already mastered the basics of swimming and can swim 15m without any help. These classes are a step up from our Foundation lessons and cater to different ability levels, so every child feels at ease.

In comparison to our Foundation classes, our Development classes will focus on enhancing your child's swimming skills by teaching them advanced techniques in all 4 strokes, introducing them to aquatic sports, and equipping them with basic water rescue and survival skills.

Moreover, the skills your child gains in these lessons will contribute to them achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold milestone awards.

Academy Class

Our Academy classes are designed to help your child reach their personal swimming goals and become confident and independent in the pool. With a focus on self-led progression and advanced safety techniques, our classes include setting personal targets, Rookie lifesaving, and personal survival techniques. Our goal is to empower children to become strong swimmers who can swim more than 200m.

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)
Women's Only Swimming Lessons - Thursday Evenings
Adult Swimming Coaching (best for intermediate and advanced swimmers) - Coming Soon
Click here to find out more about adult swimming lessons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.
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.
Do I need to pay for parking?
No, parking is free of charge for the first 3 hours.
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 or contact us by email at palmerpark@gll.org.