At Pure Swim, we understand the importance of the early stages of water exposure for babies, and our classes focus on building trust and water confidence. Starting from birth, or as soon as babies and parents are ready, we create a nurturing environment where bonding in the water is at the forefront. Through gentle interactions, we introduce vital safety skills such as holding onto the side, turning around, and floating on their backs. Babies explore submersion on their own terms—never dunked, but encouraged through songs, toys, and being given a choice. Throughout this stage, we not only focus on the baby's experience but also support parents by teaching them techniques to help guide their little one through the water with comfort and safety.

As children grow into toddlers, our classes build on the foundation of water comfort. At this stage, we introduce swim aids like long and short woggles to support their developing skills, focusing particularly on kicking techniques. Our classes incorporate fun games and playful activities designed to enhance coordination and build confidence in the water. For toddlers who are still getting used to water on their faces, we gently encourage face immersion in a playful and relaxed manner, ensuring that water experiences are enjoyable and stress-free. Jumping into the water is another key focus, allowing toddlers to experience controlled excitement and build physical strength.

When children transition into preschool, the structure of the lessons becomes more defined. At this stage, we introduce simple rules and engage children in games that help them develop swimming techniques. We use swim aids to encourage more independence in the water. Pre-schoolers work on refining their kicking, while also developing arm movements and coordination. Some children at this stage will begin to swim short distances unaided, gaining the confidence to continue their swimming journey with minimal assistance. This phase builds both physical and social skills, with lessons designed to foster independence and readiness for the next steps.

Transition classes are designed to bridge the gap between early swim lessons and more independent swimming. At this stage, children begin to swim without the support of a parent or guardian in the water, though parents are still there to guide them, initially from in the water and then from the poolside. The focus is on developing further independence, with children refining their strokes, improving breath control, and learning essential water safety skills. These classes can present new challenges, such as overcoming any lingering fears or hesitations around swimming independently, but with the foundation of trust built in earlier phases, the transition is smooth and supported. Children in transition classes start to take on more responsibility for their swimming, preparing them for even more advanced skills and greater autonomy in the pool.

The Academy is for children who are ready to be in the pool without a parent. Typically starting around school age, this program is designed for children who want to learn to swim with recognised strokes. For those children who have been with us in our parent and child lessons, this move is smooth. However, do not panic if your older child is new to swimming. We also have classes for complete beginners and our class sizes are small with our teachers in the pool to instil confidence in the water before moving on to swim strokes. With our beginner academy lessons we use the STA Stanley scheme of swimming and children work towards termly badges. They are assessed continually throughout the term and badges are given out at the end of each full term of lessons.  

Here we focus on stroke development, endurance, and improving overall technique. The Academy offers a structured progression where children are introduced to more challenging swimming drills and exercises, helping them become proficient swimmers. As the focus shifts to more specific goals and skills, children receive personalized feedback and are given opportunities to push their abilities to new levels in a supportive, fun environment. We continue to use the STA scheme of work and children are awarded badges (for swim skills and distance swimming) at the end of each term. We also include half-term life safety skills sessions as well as weaving these skills into our weekly lessons. Our class sizes remain small with a maximum of 6 in each class. For those children that have completed the learn to swim scheme we also provide a Rokkie lifeguarding course. Our classes are split on ability, not age (though age is considered when we make our groupings) your child will generally stay with the same group throughout their time with us, although we do make adjustments to lesson times and groupings on a termly basis as children leave and others progress at different speeds. You will always be informed if your child's lesson time is changing.