Frequently asked questions
Baby swim
How soon can my baby start with Swim bebé swim?
From three months, but really babies can go in the pool from birth. We leave it a few months to allow parents to become used to their babies on land, before bringing them into a pool environment. Babies also have better head control at three months.
Do I have to go in the pool with my baby?
Yes. We do not use armbands; therefore you support your baby in the water during our classes.
Is the pool heated?
Yes. We abide by the UK recommendations for baby swim. The water and air temperature of our pools are heated to more than 30 degrees Celsius.
What does my baby have to wear?
A swim nappy alone or combined with swim trunks, a swim costume or a baby wet suit. If you do not have a swim nappy, they are available to buy at poolside.
Do we need swim hats?
Some of our locations require swim hats, please see location details. For these locations, swim hats must be worn by adults at all times and by babies (only if they have hair).
Does my child need armbands?
No. We promote the natural method of teaching your child to swim, so we do not use armbands, rather you help support your child in a natural swim position.
How long are the classes?
25-30 minutes.
How long is a course?
5 weeks, then a course the next level up starts as soon as the first course ends. Courses are short to allow parents to schedule to make as many classes in the course as possible.
What is the price of a course?
€70. This includes IVA (VAT) and all pool entrances for you and your child. Some courses include a ‘swim bebé swim’ certificate of achievement. There are discounted rates for siblings. The course payment is due on or before the first day of the course and is non-refundable.
What if I miss a class in a course?
It is important that you try to attend classes regularly, so that your child obtains maximum benefit from their course. However should you need to miss a class, your teacher will be able to help you catch up on the skills missed in the next class.
Does my baby have to go underwater in your classes?
Only if you wish. Our classes incorporate underwater swimming whenever both parent and child are ready. The classes also incorporate many other skills to help your child to swim and survive in water.
My baby is sick, should I come to class?
Parents know their babies. If your baby has a fever or an infection of any kind – throat, chest, eye, ear etc, then you should not bring them swimming. If however they have a slight sniffle or cold, with no other symptoms or fever, then you may bring them swimming.
If your child has had diahhorea or vomiting, do not bring them to the pool for 24 hours after the last episode.
If your child has had diahhorea or vomiting, do not bring them to the pool for 24 hours after the last episode.
Does my baby need to have their first set of vaccinations before coming to classes?
No your baby does not need any immunisations before they go swimming according to current recommendations from the Department of Health (correct at time of writing). see www.immunisation.org.uk
My baby has just had some vaccinations, should I bring them swimming?
Current recommendations from the Department of Health are that you can bring your baby swimming straight after vaccinations (correct at time of writing) see www.immunisation.org.uk
How soon before the class can I feed my baby?
The recommendation is that you can feed your baby milk up to one hour before they start their swim class. For children on solids, they should not be fed solids immediately before coming to class.
When will my baby swim?
Your baby will swim as soon as they are physically and emotionally ready. Normally they will independently swim short distances underwater within 6 weeks of classes. Swimming above the water, will happen when their body, swim movements and confidence are strong enough to keep them above water. Our youngest swimmer on record, swimming independently across a deep pool was just over 2 years old.
Aqua Natal
How early in my pregnancy can I come to your Aqua Natal classes?
Provided you have reviewed our Aqua Natal Health check and consulted with your medical advisor as necessary, then you can start our Aqua Natal classes.
I have read the Aqua Natal Health Check and one of more of the situations applies to me. What should I do?
Consult with your medical advisor and if they are happy for you to take part in our classes, then ask them to write a note addressed to the teacher at your location, explaining the circumstances and confirming that you are fit to exercise.
How long are the classes?
40–45 minutes.
How long is a course?
Five weeks, then a new course a level up starts when the first course ends.
Do I need to already be relatively fit to come to the classes?
Our classes are adapted to suit the fitness of the participants. They combine gentle ‘low-impact’ exercise with relaxation, so anyone can come along.
What do I need to wear?
A supportive swimsuit or you may wish to wear a sports bra under your swimsuit. A swim hat, for the locations which require this.
How late in my pregnancy can I come to the classes?
You can exercise right up to the end of your pregnancy, except in the case of multiple pregnancies, where you must consult with your doctor. At all stages of pregnancy you must listen to your body and its capabilities. If you have any questions at any time, consult with the teacher at your location or your medical advisor.