SwimMania Swim School Information
Can my baby go swimming before their vaccinations?
Yes.
According to NHS guidance, babies can go swimming at any age, both before and after their routine vaccinations. They do not need to have completed their full course of vaccinations before attending swimming lessons.
Some babies may experience mild side effects after their vaccinations, such as:
- A slight temperature (fever)
- Being a little irritable or unsettled
- Feeling more tired than usual
If your baby isn’t feeling their usual self, you may prefer to wait until they are feeling better before bringing them swimming.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s health following a vaccination, we recommend speaking to your GP, health visitor or another healthcare professional before attending your lesson.
We look forward to welcoming you and your little one back to the pool when they’re feeling ready!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child swim if they have asthma?
Yes! Swimming is often recommended for children with asthma because it helps strengthen the muscles used for breathing, and our lovely warm 32.5°C+ hydrotherapy pool provides a comfortable environment for exercise.
If your child has asthma, please:
- Let us know when you register.
- Bring their inhaler to every lesson.
- Speak to your GP or healthcare professional if you have any concerns before attending.
Can my child swim if they have eczema?
Yes. Many children with eczema enjoy swimming.
We recommend applying a good barrier cream, such as Vaseline or Sudocrem, before your lesson to help protect the skin. Rinsing off in our showers after swimming can also help.
For children with more severe eczema, specialist swimwear or wetsuits designed for sensitive skin may be beneficial. If you’re unsure, please speak to your GP or dermatologist before attending lessons.
Can I join after the term has started?
Absolutely!
If we have spaces available, you are welcome to join at any point during the term. As many of our classes fill quickly, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible or asking to be added to our waiting list.
Do I need to be able to swim to attend baby classes?
Not at all!
Many parents and carers who attend our Adult & Child classes aren’t confident swimmers themselves.
Our pool has a constant depth of 1.15 metres, allowing most adults to stand comfortably throughout the lesson while enjoying quality bonding time with their little one.
Do you offer trial lessons?
We do not offer free trial lessons.
You are welcome to book a lesson if spaces are available, but normal lesson fees apply. Booking a lesson reserves your swimmer’s place within the class.
Please note that refunds are not normally available, as outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
Can I take photographs during lessons?
Yes, but we ask everyone to be respectful of other families.
Please:
- Wait until playtime or the end of the lesson before taking photographs.
- Only photograph your own child unless you have permission from everyone else in the group.
- Avoid taking group photographs without everyone’s consent.
To help celebrate your swimming journey, we’ll take a photo of you and your little one during your first lesson and send it to you via WhatsApp.
What happens if I miss a lesson?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds, credits, make-up lessons or one-off class swaps for missed lessons.
Our classes have fixed teacher ratios and are often fully booked, so our operating costs remain the same whether or not a swimmer attends.
Full details can be found in our Terms & Conditions.
Do you offer swimming lessons for children with additional needs?
Yes.
We’re proud to welcome many swimmers with additional needs to SwimMania.
Children who are under full-time school age usually attend our Adult & Child classes.
For swimmers who are in full-time education, we’ll assess their confidence and ability before recommending either:
- Otters – Additional Needs Adult & Child classes.
- Sharks – Reduced-ratio independent classes for swimmers who no longer require a parent or carer in the water.
If you’re unsure which class would be most suitable, we’d be delighted to discuss your child’s individual needs and help you find the right class.
Can my child swim if they are unwell?
Please do not attend lessons if your child has a contagious illness or is feeling significantly unwell.
This includes illnesses such as:
- Chickenpox
- COVID-19 (or other contagious respiratory illnesses)
- Ear infections
- Chest infections
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea, they must be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning to lessons.
If you’re unsure whether your child should attend, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise.
What if my child has a medical condition?
Please let us know about any medical conditions when registering.
We always recommend following the advice of your GP or healthcare professional before attending swimming lessons.
Sharing relevant medical information helps us provide a safe and enjoyable experience for every swimmer.
Are there showers at the pool?
Yes.
Our facility has warm showers available for all swimmers to use before and after their lesson.
Do lessons run during school holidays?
Yes!
SwimMania operates throughout most of the year.
We only close for:
- Two weeks over Christmas
- Bank Holidays
Apart from those dates… we just keep
swimming!
What should my child wear for swimming lessons?
Babies and toddlers who are not fully toilet trained must wear a double nappy system, consisting of a disposable swim nappy underneath a reusable neoprene swim nappy.
Older children should wear comfortable swimwear suitable for swimming lessons. Goggles are recommended for most classes, and our teachers will be happy to advise if you’re unsure which ones are best.
Do you provide swimming aids?
Yes.
All swimming aids used during lessons are provided by SwimMania, so there’s no need to bring your own floats, noodles or kickboards.
Our teachers carefully choose the most appropriate equipment for each swimmer to help them progress safely and confidently.
Can family members watch the lessons?
Yes!
We have a comfortable, air-conditioned viewing gallery where parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members are welcome to watch the lessons.
We kindly ask everyone to help us maintain a calm environment so swimmers can concentrate during their lesson.
How warm is the pool?
Our purpose-built hydrotherapy pool is maintained at a lovely warm 32.5°C+ all year round.
The warm water helps swimmers of all ages feel relaxed, comfortable and confident, making it particularly beneficial for babies, young children, nervous swimmers and adults learning to swim.
Is there parking available?
Yes.
We have free on-site parking directly outside the SwimMania facility, making it easy for families to arrive and leave safely.
What happens if my child is nervous or cries?
This is completely normal, especially during the first few lessons.
Every child settles at their own pace, and our experienced teachers are fantastic at helping nervous swimmers build confidence gradually. We never force a child to do something they’re uncomfortable with and always encourage them through fun, games and positive reinforcement.
Most children quickly grow to love their swimming lessons!
How do you decide which class my child should join?
Our classes are carefully grouped by both age and ability.
If your child has swum before, we’ll ask a few questions about their previous swimming experience and may recommend a quick assessment if needed. This helps us place every swimmer in the class where they’ll feel comfortable, confident and able to progress.
If you’re unsure which class is right, our friendly reception team will be happy to help.
Can someone else bring my child to swimming lessons?
Of course.
A parent, grandparent or another responsible adult is welcome to bring your child to lessons.
For our Adult & Child classes, the adult accompanying the swimmer should be confident enough to support them safely in the water and follow the teacher’s instructions throughout the lesson.
What if my child is frightened of putting their face in the water?
Don’t worry—many children feel this way when they first start swimming.
Our lessons are designed to build confidence gradually, and we never force a swimmer to submerge before they’re ready. Through games, songs and carefully planned activities, we encourage children to become comfortable in the water at their own pace.
How long does it take for my child to learn to swim?
Every swimmer is different, so there isn’t a set timeframe.
Progress depends on factors such as age, confidence, attendance and previous swimming experience. Our progressive lesson programme allows every swimmer to develop at their own pace while celebrating each achievement along the way.
Our aim isn’t just to teach children to swim—it’s to help them become safe, confident and happy in the water.
What should we bring to swimming lessons?
We recommend bringing:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Goggles (if appropriate for your class)
- Double swim nappies for babies and toddlers (if required)
- A drink for after the lesson
- Any necessary medication, such as an asthma inhaler
Our reception team stocks a range of swimming essentials should you forget anything.
Can my child start at any time?
Yes!
As long as we have availability in the appropriate class, swimmers can join at any point during the term. If your preferred class is full, we’ll happily add your child to our waiting list and contact you as soon as a space becomes available.
Find Us
SwimMania Swim School
Anglia House
Stannetts
Laindon North Trading Estate
Laindon
Basildon
Essex
SS15 6DN
Contact Us
Our friendly reception team is always happy to help with any questions about our swimming lessons, availability or finding the right class for your swimmer.
☎️ Telephone: 01268 415834
Mobile: 07772 108855
Email: info@swimmania.co.uk
If we’re unable to answer your call, please leave us a voicemail or send us a text message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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