SwimMania Swim School Information

Certificates and Badges

At the end of every other course of 10 weeks, all swimmers, even our young babies will achieve a Certificate and a badge. These are optional to buy and cost just £4. If you would like a certificate and a matching badge you must pre pay for these by the end of week 5 of the term.



Equipment

We provide all the equipment for all of our classes; the only thing you will need in the baby classes is a swim nappy and the appropriate swimwear. In the older children's classes, they just need their own swimwear and then they are ready to go. We also provide all buoyancy aids such as arm discs (arm bands) woggles, floats, toys and changing mats for the changing area. We use lots of sensory toys in our baby classes, which the babies love and it really makes their swimming class fun and exciting! Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own swimming discs with you, (please make sure these are labelled with the swimmers name).  

Photo Shoots

We run photo shoots for all our swimmers (optional). The photo shoot prices are very reasonable priced and the photographer will take photos above and below the water.  Prices are available for these photoshoots and each slot is 30 minutes.  You purchase the photos directly from the photographer.  

Update coming soon for the next shoot

Vaccinations

From the NHS - You can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. It doesn't matter if they haven't completed their course of vaccinations yet.

Sometimes babies experience side effects after a vaccination. These are generally quite mild and should not prevent you taking your baby swimming. However, babies who are feverish or irritable in the days or weeks after vaccination, may not feel up to swimming for a few days, so you may prefer to wait.

When should my baby be introduced to the SwimMania lessons (Including Prem babies)

• Swimming is a great bonding activity.

• With all the colourful and textured toys we use in class, swimming really does help with all the babies senses.
• A baby who is used to being stationary can move about independently in the water they also learn balance and coordination. The motion and sensation of the water gives an awareness of self that otherwise would not be gained.

• Swimming has been proven to strengthen the heart and lungs and improve muscle development.
• Baby swimming is completely natural; having spent months surrounded by fluid in the womb, babies have a real affinity with water.

Above is baby William who was born premature and below is little Baby Max (3 weeks old) and Baby Mason (4 months old) ready to head to the pool!

Payment & ReBooking (new swimmers and current swimmers)

Cost Of Lessons - £113 for a term

If you are a new swimmer you will need to pay your  fees in advance to save your swim space before your classes start. If you are a current swimmer, we re-book on week 7 & 8 of the swim term. To save your space you must pay on week 8 by cash, card or direct debit. When you need to re-book, just head to the reception desk and one of our team will take your payment or give us a call to pay over the phone 01268 415834.  You can sign up to direct debit and the payment will come out on week 8 of every swim term to keep your space secure. If you do not re-book on the re-booking dates, your place will not be saved for the new term.  Please let us know if you cannot make your class on the re-booking dates so we can sort out your payment beforehand. We do not currently offer a sibling discount. 

One to One lessons - We do offer one to one classes and these are £27 for a half hour class. Anyone can do these lessons you do not need to swim with us.

Call to book 01268 415834. 

Baby submersion info (We only submerge babies when you are both ready so please don't feel any pressure to do this).

How will my baby react?

In our experience a baby will react in 1 or more of 4 ways

1) They will act as if nothing has happened! Sometimes we even get a big smile!

2) They will wiggle about, don't be alarmed, in younger babies this is just a result of the amphibian reflex kicking in and will ease off as they get older.

3) They can have a little grumble, this could be for a number of reasons, but often because they do not understand what was about to happen, or they swallowed some water. But don't worry they will get there and we will always give you lots of tips and advice to help your little one be comfortable under the water. 

4) They will cough, this is due to swallowing water and should only last a few seconds; try offering a toy to distract them, cuddles, jumping and of course lots of praise.

After each submersion always remember to give lots of positive encouragement and we will always take things at a pace you and your little one feel comfortable with.

Above is baby Arianna swimming under the water in one of our photo shoots.

Swim Nappies

Reusable Swim Nappies

Reusable swim nappies are made from soft, stretchy bathing suit material, which allows water to escape, but will keep in solids. 

Some reusable nappies have a concealed waterproof layer, like a pair of plastic pants within the nappy. Others have an inner mesh layer, which lets fluids through but retains solids.

Before you buy a swim nappy, check the size and weight fitting. Think about how easy it will be to put on and take off your baby, particularly when soiled. Nappies which can be unfastened or ripped right open can be easier to clean up than an up-and-down pant design (www.splashabout.com)

Disposable Swim Nappies 

• Disposable swim nappies are like normal nappies. They come in packs and each one is thrown away after each use. They still have an absorbent core but one that does not swell up in the water.

Before you buy a swim nappy, check the size and weight fitting. Think about how easy it will be to put on and take off your baby, particularly when soiled. Again nappies which can be unfastened or ripped right open can be easier to clean up than an up-and-down pant design. 

When should I arrive for lessons?

Aim to arrive no more than 10/15 minutes before your lesson to help avoid changing room and car park congestion.

Class sizes (ratios)

Babies (adult and child class) max of 9

Big kids classes max of 7 

We always have a receptionist at the pool who can help with any questions whilst the lessons are running. If there are more than 4 swimmers booked into the big kiddies classes there will also be an assistant in the class.

Changing areas

At our very own pool in Laindon we have personal cubicle changing. We also provide baby changing mats in each cubicle and some high baby changing tables outside the cubicles to help change your little ones. We also have a lovely communal shower area.