What should my child bring to their first lesson?
A swimming costume, a towel, and a swim hat. Swimming hats are compulsory in all our lessons. We have hats available to borrow if you don't have one. Goggles are optional and down to preference; plenty of swimmers start without them, and we also have some available to borrow.
If your child isn't potty trained, they'll need a double nappy: a disposable swim nappy or cotton nappy underneath, with a neoprene "happy nappy" over the top. Please take used nappies away with you.
Arrive about 10 minutes before the lesson so there's time to change without rushing. We recommend coming 'swim ready'. Meaning having your swimwear underneath your clothing to make it easy and quick to change before entering the water. Please leave jewellery at home. We do not take responsibility for lost belongings.
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
From three years old. There's no upper limit. We teach children, teenagers and adults, and it's never too late to learn.
How long are the lessons?
30 minutes. Squad lessons range from 60-90 minutes.
Can parents watch the lessons?
Yes, always. Every one of our pools has somewhere for you to watch. There is poolside seating at all venues, with some pools having viewing galleries (
The Hayes Primary School).
We require parents to be present on site at all times on the rare occasion of an emergency or first aid incident.
How many lessons will my child need to learn to swim?
It depends on where a child starts, how often they swim, and how comfortable they already are in water. A confident three-year-old and an anxious eight-year-old will follow very different paths. What we can tell you is that progress is much more about consistency than intensity. A child swimming every week for a year will almost always be further ahead than one who did an intensive fortnight and then stopped.
At your first lesson, your teacher will assess where your swimmer is and place them accordingly. From there you'll get written progress reports, so you can see exactly what they're working on and how far they've come.
We have dedicated poolside managers at every session to keep you updated on your child's progress and where they may need a little extra focus.
Do you offer catch-up lessons if we miss a class?
Can I take photos or videos of my child swimming?
The one thing we ask is no photography or filming, anywhere poolside or in the changing rooms. That applies to everyone, and it's there so that every swimmer can enjoy their lesson without being accidentally recorded by someone they don't know. This includes video calls and any form of photography/video capture device. If you are found to be recording, a member of management will ask you to stop and request that you delete the content.
How do I book a free trial lesson?
Get in touch through the contact form, by email at
hello@greatwaves.co.uk, or call the office on
020 8644 4982, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Please leave us a voicemail if we do not answer your call in time.
Every new swimmer gets one free introductory lesson before committing to anything. It lets you see how we teach, lets your child get comfortable, and lets our teacher work out the right class for them. Trials are booked up to fourteen days ahead.
Are your teachers qualified?
Every Great Waves instructor holds an enhanced DBS check, a full swimming teaching qualification, a current lifesaving and rescue qualification, first aid training, safeguarding training and full teaching insurance.
We don't use trainees or unqualified staff to cover lessons.
Do you teach in the water with the swimmers?
Yes. Our teachers get in the water alongside their swimmers from the very first lesson, rather than instructing from the side. It makes a real difference to how quickly nervous swimmers settle, and it means a teacher can physically support and correct rather than just describe.
How big are the classes?
Group classes have a maximum of four swimmers to one teacher. We also offer one-to-one and two-to-one lessons for swimmers who want or need closer attention.
My child is nervous about water. Can you help?
This is a large part of what we do, and small classes are the reason we can do it well.
Tell us when you get in touch, and we'll match you to the right pool and the right teacher. Some of our pools suit anxious beginners particularly well. Get in touch so we can tailor your free trial lesson to your requirements.
Do you teach swimmers with disabilities or additional needs?
Yes, and we have teachers experienced in working with children and adults with additional needs. Private lessons are planned around the individual swimmer.
How do payments work?
Lessons are paid monthly via direct debit. Payment is taken on the first of each month, for that months lessons, and you'll get an invoice by email beforehand showing exactly what will be taken. Your place rolls over automatically each month, so there's nothing to rebook.
How do I cancel?
If you decide to leave us, we simply ask that you let us know by the 1st of the month to cancel from the following month. For example, if you would like your lessons to finish at the end of September and do not wish to continue into October, you must let us know by 1st September. This notice period allows us to manage our lesson spaces fairly and offer availability to swimmers waiting for a place.
Can we go on holiday without losing our place?
Yes. Every swimmer gets a holiday allowance each academic year, which lets you take time off without paying for those lessons and without losing your space. The number of sessions varies by location.
Let us know by email by the 21st of the month before you plan to be away. We can't approve holiday allowance retrospectively.
What happens if a lesson is cancelled?
If we have to cancel, for example due to a pool closure, maintenance, or anything on our side, you'll be credited for that lesson against your next payment, or we'll offer an alternative session. We ensure any cancellations are communicated as far in advance as possible via text message and email.
What if my child is unwell?
After sickness or diarrhoea, we need swimmers to be clear of symptoms for 48 hours before returning (and 14 days at some venues).
Do tell us about any medical conditions or additional needs before lessons start, and let us know if anything changes. It matters for safety, and it's handled confidentially.
Do swimmers get certificates and badges?
Yes! We have weekly star swimmer awards for swimmers who have been trying particularly hard or perhaps recently achieved in their lesson. The star swimmer will receive a certificate and a golden star swimmer hat to wear for that lesson.
Swim England Stage and Distance certificates are also available to purchase when awarded.
Which pool should I choose?
Do you run holiday courses?
Yes! Our Fast Track Courses run during school holidays, typically Monday-Friday and are designed to accelerate progress. Our intensive swimming courses aim to provide half a term's worth of progress in just 5 days! They're open to swimmers from three years old and adults, whether or not you learn with us the rest of the year.
Can I change our lesson day, time or pool?
Certainly, tell us what you are looking for and what fits your schedule, and we can move your lessons free of charge, whenever you need to. We can't guarantee a specific slot, since it depends on availability at that pool, but we will try our very best.
Can siblings be in the same class?
Siblings can be placed in the same class if they are at the same ability level. We assess each child individually to ensure they're in the right group for their development.
