Question and answer session with a Swim Tot parent

There is so much choice of activities for babies, why did you choose baby swimming?
I think it is important to introduce them to swimming at an early age, so they have an understanding of their capabilities in swimming pools and a respect for water.
Why did you choose Swim Tots vs. another swim school?
I’d heard good things about it from friends who went to their classes, they all said that their children enjoyed them. The teachers are very good and make the lessons exciting for the children.
What age did your children start at Swim Tots?
1 and 2 months old.
What swimming skills has your child developed?
Both boys enjoy being in the water and are not scared of it. My 2 year old understands the importance of getting to the side if he is struggling. He has a good kicking action and stretches out with his arms to pull himself through the water. Sometimes remembering to keep his fingers together! He’s happy to go under the water and thinks that jumping in is great fun. He’s even learning elements of front crawl which amazes me. My youngest is only a couple of months old, and is so relaxed in the water – I can see him getting as much out of his classes as Oscar does.
Now your older child has gained the basic swimming skills why do you still continue with the classes?
He loves it and he’s only two so he’s by no means learnt everything there is to know! I can see improvements all the time, and look forward to seeing what he can do next.
Describe a typical class.
Lots of singing of nursery rhymes, fun games and activities using floats and squeezy toys to make the whole experience exciting for the children. They have no idea how much they’re learning! It’s quite fast moving so that the little ones don’t get bored with any particular bit.
What does your child particularly enjoy from a Swim Tots class?
He loves jumping in and swimming for the squeezy toys which he then can blast at me and soak me! He’ll swim anywhere if it involves throwing and chase a toy.
What skills has your older child learnt in their Swim Tots’ classes which they use in a non swimming environment?
We are always having renditions of nursery rhymes that we sing in the class and strangely enough his throwing action is very good!
What has your older child gained from Swim Tots’ classes overall?
He’s confident in the water and is making great steps at getting to grips with swimming. Which will hopefully help him when he’s that bit older with the school age swimming lessons.
What have you gained from taking your child to Swim Tots?
I’ve met some other Mums with children a similar age. I also get to spend time doing something one on one with each of them which isn’t always possible at home.
If you had your time again, would you repeat the baby swimming classes with Swim Tots?
Yes, of course I would. I’d be silly not to swimming is the highlight of my 2 year old’s week! He has fun and he is so proud of himself when he has achieved something new.

Testimonials

"Just thought I would share with you how thrilled we were on Sunday morning when Ava swam independently for the first time at just 26 months old! She has attended your classes since she was 11 weeks old and it has really paid off. Well done to Sophie (and Helen) for everything they have taught her. " Kim Heslip

"I started lessons with Swim-tots with my daughter at 3 months old as water confidence and safety are very important to me. Jessica loved baby classes and when I returned to work we changed to a Saturday class with Sophie and we had a fantastic experience. Jessica is a fantastic swimmer thanks to ..." Alison Storrie, Mummy to Jessica & Michael

"My son Huw and I have been so thrilled with swim-tots and our teacher Helen. Huw now adores swimming at 18 months, happily throwing himself into the pool with no fear - such a difference to when he started a year ago! He holds onto the side and everything, we have both been taught by a superb tea..." Charlotte Evans, mummy to Huw

"Maya has been with Swimtots for two years now and still absolutely loves her lessons with Lindsey every week. It's the only day of the week when wakes up and gets ready without a fuss, and is out the door before we are! Her confidence in the water and her developing swimming skills are fantastic ..." Ghada Khattab, mummy to Maya

"I am just e mailing you to tell you how fantastic Rachel is.  Honestly, she is brilliant.  Elise absolutely loves her lessons (although she is still a little nervous about the water touching her face, but we are getting there) and when I pick her up from my daughter’s, she comes out saying ho..." Julie Bates, grandma to Elise

"Chloe started swimming with Sophie at Swim Tots when she was only 12 weeks old, it was a great activity for us to do together and for her to get used to the water in a fun setting with lots of games and songs.  Sophie is a fantastic teacher and gives each child individual attention and it was gr..." Jenny Roberts, mummy to Chloe

"My two year old daughter Ava has been learning to swim with Swim Tots since she was 9 months old.  We attend the Monday am session with Helen at Beckwith Pool and she absolutely loves it! The location is extremely convenient, parking is easy and the facilities are clean and the pool warm. I c..." Nicky Smith, mummy to Ava

"I am now onto my third lot of baby swimming lessons with swimtots - they are brilliant, with wonderful, caring teachers who really know their stuff. Both my older children are very confident in the water and my youngest baby already loves swimming. I just wish swimtots provided lessons for over 4..." Maddy Smith, mummy to Myles, Anya & Flynn

"What had started simply as a fun activity for Dad and 6 month old baby quickly exceeded all our expectations. Sophie's endless patience and inspiring enthusiasm, coupled with a consistently relaxed and friendly atmosphere, have resulted in a happy confident 4 year old girl, quite capable of swimm..." Ruth & Neil Moran, mummy & daddy to Esme

"We're already looking forward to re-starting, Eve sings the hello song complete with all the children's names every breakfast time, it was cute the first few times!!" Laura Arundel, mummy to Eve

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