A gentle first experience in the water

Our Parent & Baby classes are designed for little ones aged 12 to 24 months (around 1–2 years old), with a parent or carer in the water alongside them.

​

These sessions are all about building confidence and familiarity in a calm, supportive environment. Babies are introduced to the water at their own pace, through gentle movement, songs and simple activities that help them feel safe, relaxed and happy in the pool.

​

There’s no pressure and no expectations, just positive early experiences that lay the foundations for future swimming.

​

What do we focus on in this stage?

In Pathway 1, we focus on:

• Helping babies feel comfortable being in the water

• Building trust and confidence with a parent close by

• Gentle movement, balance and early water awareness

• Creating positive associations with swimming lessons

 

Every child develops differently, and we support each baby as an individual.

​

What badges do swimmers work towards?

Swimmers in this group work towards Starfish 1, 2 and 3.

These are early skills and confidence awards that celebrate small but important milestones, such as:

• Feeling relaxed in the water

• Enjoying movement and play

• Becoming familiar with basic water activities

 

Badges are used as encouragement, not pressure.

​

When do swimmers move on?

Children can move on to the next pathway once they are 24 months old (2 years).

​

We always make sure swimmers progress when they are ready, both in terms of age and confidence. There’s no rush, our priority is that children feel happy and secure before moving forward.