FAQ’s
Here are some common questions about our swimming lessons.
Swimming Lessons
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
Our Hatchling lessons cater for children from 6 months of age. Read more about our Pre-School Lessons.
How do I know which level is appropriate for my child?
If you are still unsure please contact us on 01473 433655 or email swimming.courses@ipswich.gov.uk to arrange a free assessment with one of our instructors.
Can I transfer to lessons at a different time/venue?
We will endeavor to accommodate all requests for course transfers provided that a space is available on the preferred course.
How long are swimming lessons?
Most lessons are 30 minutes long excluding Silver and Gold Challenges, Rookie Gold/Sport and Adult lessons which are 40 minutes long, Snorkelling lessons which are 45 minutes long and Honours level lessons which are 50 minutes long.
How much do swimming lessons cost?
All 30 minutes lessons, with the exception of Gosling and Personalised Duckling lessons, are charged at £51.50 for a 10 week course. Gosling lessons and Personalised Duckling lessons cost £62.50 for a 10 week course due to the reduced class sizes and/or assistants required. Silver and Gold Challenges, Squads and Rookie Gold/Sport lessons cost £60.00 per course. Adult lessons, Snorkelling lessons and Honours lessons cost £62.50 per course.
Where do swimming lessons take place?
Swimming Lessons take place in the Teaching Pool and Competition Pool at Crown Pools and at Fore Street Pool.
How do I book/rebook swimming lessons?
Swimming lessons are booked in 10 week blocks.
Bird Series (Hatchlings – Flamingos)
These groups are assessed during week 6 and will be handed a rebooking envelope in week 7, these state the teacher’s recommendation for the next course of lessons. Priority is given to those staying in the same group and these bookings can be made immediately. Requests for a change in level, day or time of lesson will be processed once these students have been allowed their priority booking period (usually Saturday morning for weekday lessons and Saturday afternoon for Saturday lessons). The remaining spaces are then made available to new customers from Monday of week 8.
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Honours and Rookies
These courses are examined in week 10 and rebookings envelopes will be handed out at the end of the exam. Priority is given to those staying in the same group and these bookings should be made immediately to guarantee the place. Course movements will be processed at the end of the priority booking period (usually 1 hour from the end of the class).
For the current course dates please go to our Swimming Lessons page. You can book in person at Crown Pools and Fore Street or by calling us on 01473 433655.
I will be away during rebookings week, can I still secure my place?
If you are expecting to be away during bookings week contact reception or email swimming.courses@ipswich.gov.uk with your contact number before you go away and we will assist you with rebooking.
How do I prepare my child for a lesson?
Please arrive at the venue approximately 10-15 minutes before the class is due to start to give you time to find your bearings and get changed. Proceed onto the poolside just before the lesson is due to begin.
Don’t forget:
- Swimming costume or tight fitting trunks
- Towel
- Swimming hat
- Goggles (not compulsory)
- No jewellery
- No armbands – we will provide alternative floatation devices
Children should not swim on a full stomach; please don’t give your child anything substantial to eat one hour before your session.
If your child is feeling sickly, unwell or has an upset stomach it is not advised that they attend lessons.
Do lessons still run on bank holidays?
Yes, lessons do run on bank holidays. Please note that if you usually have a lesson in the afternoon/evening, the time of your lesson will change to allow for earlier bank holiday closing times. The adjusted time will be shown on your course receipt. Morning lesson times are not affected.
Do lessons run during the school holidays?
The swimming lesson programme runs for 50 weeks per year only breaking for 2 weeks during the Christmas holidays.
How quickly will my child progress?
Speed of progression will vary depending on the swimmer and will be judged by the Swimming Instructor. Students will move up when they meet all of the skills criteria required for their current stage.
What if we miss a lesson?
Lesson fees are non-refundable where a pupil has missed lessons or decided to withdraw from the programme. In exceptional circumstances the management team may exercise discretion on refunds or credit notes but this would only be on production of a medical certificate or documentation from a medical centre, hospital or GP. A 20% administration charge may apply.
