Your Quick Guide to a Fun, Safe, and Relaxed Swimming Experience
We’re so excited to welcome you to Aquatots!
Whether you’re a first-time swimmer or you’ve already dipped your toes into the water, we want to make sure you and your little one have the best time possible in every lesson.
Here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared, comfortable, and ready to enjoy your swimming adventure with us!
Getting Ready for Your First Lesson
What to Wear
Double Swim Layers for Babies For safety and peace of mind, babies must wear two swim layers - what we fondly refer to as babies being “Double Wrapped.” The first must be a tight-fitting disposable or reusable swim nappy held in place by a second layer of a tight-fitting swim costume or additional swim nappy. The most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option is to purchase the Aqua Wrap swim nappy system which provides double protection and is reusable avoiding the ongoing cost of disposable swim nappies.
View our Happy Nappy and Aqua Wrap System.
Potty-Trained? No Nappy Needed If your little one has been potty-trained for at least 6 months, no nappy is required!
Wetsuits for Warmth If a specific pool recommends a wetsuit, it’s a great idea to consider getting one for your little one. We know how important it is for your child to feel comfortable and have fun in the water and there’s nothing worse than being cold! While most of our pools are a lovely, toasty 32–33°C, some of the larger pools can be a bit cooler by a degree or two. For our younger swimmers, a wetsuit will help keep them warm and cosy throughout the lesson. Remember, a wetsuit is your best option here, as sunsuits are designed for UV protection—not warmth!
If you’re looking for a wetsuit, why not check out the options available on our Aquatots Shop? They’re perfect for swimming at our pools, and they’re also great for your local leisure centre or holidays, making them a great investment!
Swim HatsSome of our pool owners do request that children and parents wear swim hats, this is not compulsory at every site, however when your little one moves up to Child Levels, a swim hat is a great idea!
It helps keep hair out of their face and makes goggles or swim masks fit better.
A great variety of hats can be purchased from our online shop.
What to Pack for Your Lesson?
Essentials
Swimwear for YouYou might laugh at this one but we often see parents arrive at pool with all the kit needed for their special little one but have sadly forgotten their own cossie or trunks!!
Swimwear for Your Little OneDon’t forget to pack a spare change of clothes for your little one, just in case!
TowelsOne for you, and one for your little one.
Goggles or Snorkel & Fins KitIf required for your lessons. Snorkel kits are only required for Child levels.
Aquatots Aqua Wrap SystemThe best swim nappy system around, and you can save 5% when you buy it directly from our Aquatots Shop!
Handy Extras
Shower Gel or SoapWe do insist swimmers shower before the class to help maintain clean and healthy pools and recommend you have a quick shower after as well, to wash the pool water away
Warm Hat for Babies & ToddlersYes, you did read that correctly. After swimming, in the colder months, we strongly recommend popping a hat on your child to keep those ears warm, as even after drying they may still have a little water in the ear and added cold and wind won't be very pleasant for them.
Change MatWe are unable to store change mats at many locations hygienically so you may prefer to bring your own for extra hygiene and comfort. You can find a selection of changing mats in our Aquatots Shop.
Not the car SeatsUnless unavoidable we would kindly ask that car seats be left in your car, space around the pool can be quite limited.
Pool Venue InformationPlease do read the pool information pack supplied with your timetable each term. It will have important details about the venue including the address, where parking might be available, where to enter the building and any pool-specific rules (like swim hats or spectator limits). We also recommend keeping a copy handy – either a printed copy you can keep in your car or downloaded to your phone. That way you’ll always have the important pool details you’ll need.
Dillon's Duckling Start PackSuitable for Levels 1-7 up to 2 – 2.5 years
To make life a bit easier for Mummy & Daddy I have put together a starter pack which provides a combination of some of the above plus a few extras to give baby the very best start in our programme plus saving you money on purchasing the items individually: Complete Your Aqua Wrap System, Roll & Go Change Mat, Anti Chlorine Shampoo & Shower Wash, Water Bucket, Duckling Badge, Future Savings.
SHOP NOWArriving for Your Lesson
Arrive 15 Minutes EarlyArriving 15 minutes before your lesson gives you plenty of time to get changed, settle in, and make sure your little one is comfortable. We know rushing can make things stressful, so try to arrive early to avoid any last-minute panic.
Arrive Swim-ReadyTo help minimise time spent within changing areas, we ask that all swimmers come to the pool swim-ready, with swimwear under their clothing. The only exception will be our baby swimmers still in nappies, as changing into swimming nappies needs to still happen in designated changing areas.
Expect to Be Here for About an HourYour lesson is 30 minutes long, but we suggest planning to be with us for about an hour in total, with changing time included.
After Your LessonWe also ask that changing after the lesson takes place as quickly as possible and you are exiting the building within 15 minutes of your lesson finishing. A great option for children is a quick change into a baby grow or a onesie for a swift change.
Your Time at the Pool
Parent’s Role - Just Relax and Smile! Don’t stresswe’re here to guide you every step of the way! The most important thing you can do is stay relaxed and keep smiling. Your little one will take their cues from you, so the calmer and happier you are, the more they’ll enjoy the experience too. Our teachers are experienced and friendly, and they’ll make sure you and your baby have a wonderful time.
Please follow all instructions given by your teacherAs well as being highly skilled swim teachers, they are the most knowledgeable people you will have at your venue on how best to stay safe whilst with us.
Spectators or Additional Swim PartnersWe require one parent in the water with children at all times and Aquatots love to welcome additional members of the family, from time to time, to see loved ones in action. However, this will vary from pool to pool depending on the size and the rules of the venue. Any visitors must be pre-agreed with your teacher, whether it be to spectate or join the lesson.
Missed LessonsFollowing a detailed review of our booking processes and health and safety procedures, we no longer offer make-up lessons. We do all we can to ensure swimmers catch up on return if they have been unlucky enough to miss a lesson, but the additional movement of swimmers temporarily joining lessons was causing disruption to classes and at times resulting in swimmer numbers exceeding our health and safety requirements. To ensure every swimmer gets the very best experience and attention from their regular teacher, we shall keep swimmers within their nominated class only.
Food & Drink - Feeding Baby
We know swimming can work up an appetite (for both you and baby!), but to keep our spaces clean and safe for everyone, we ask that all food and drinks be enjoyed outside the changing rooms and pool area. So, be sure to pack those snacks for after your lesson!
We also recommend leaving at least an hour between feeding and swimming. If your little one’s usual feed time lines up with class, no worries! Just a small feed about 30 minutes before class should be perfect - save the rest for after, when they’re sure to be ready for it. This also helps avoid any pool accidents so your swim time stays fun and stress-free!
Let’s Have Fun!
All of the above we hope provides you with the information you need to enjoy your next Aquatots Lesson and reassures you that we are, as always, dedicated to providing the very best experience for all. Now all that's left to ask from you is that you have a GREAT TIME in your next lesson!!
See you in the pool soon!
