Are you joining us for your first Swim Stars class? These lessons work slightly differently to our Swim Academy programme, so read on for information, guidance and top tips.
We’re so excited to welcome you to your brand new class, Swim Stars. We look forward to seeing you soon, but in the meantime, wanted to give you some important information to get you ready for your first swim with us.
What is Swim Stars?
Swim Stars is a brand new level at Swim Works which follows a Swim Academy Level 1 format, with a super sensory twist and (here’s the best part…) has you, the grown up, in the water with your child.
Our top priority is working with you and your child to understand their – and your – individual needs. Fill out our getting to know you sheet and email it to hello@swimworks.co.uk or bring it to your first lesson.
You can also get in touch ahead of your lesson if there’s anything you think you’d like your teacher to know, and be sure to disclose medical conditions or additional information on the form when you make your booking.
You are also welcome to view our facilities in advance, chat to your teacher in person or meet with us over Zoom ahead of your lesson. Just get in touch to find out more.
What to bring
As well as all of the swim wear for your little one, don’t forget your own, as all grown ups are in the water with their children for a Swim Stars lesson.
Other top items for your swimming bag include: towels; goggles; favourite shampoos and shower-gels; indoor shoes exclusively for poolside; hair brushes and clips; and bags for wet swimwear.
As well as all of the swim wear for your little one, don’t forget your own, as all grown ups are in the water with their children for a Swim Stars lesson.
Goggles and swim hats
Swim Stars – if they will wear them – can bring their own goggles to their lesson. You can get your child used to goggles by including them in the process and making it fun – let them pick a new pair with their favourite character on, try them on at home and practice using them in the bath!
Swim hats will be provided on your first day here at Swim Works, in your welcome pack. You can help your little one get dressed and into their goggles and hat before they reach the poolside, so they are ready to swim in time for their lesson.
What is a ‘rocket pack’?
Hats, check. Goggles, check. Last thing to think about when you arrive – your child’s rocket pack!
During the Swim Stars session children will wear their rocket packs to aid their confidence, stroke development and independence, although we often take them off, for big jumps in.
We provide these rocket packs at Swim Works and they will be waiting by the pool for you when you arrive.
You can put your pack onto your child a minute before their lesson – two straps allow the pack to be strapped to your little one’s back. A member of staff will be on hand to assist you if you need it and our how to video will help too.
Children will continue to wear their rocket packs as they progress up into Swim Academy. We will know together when your child is ready for this next level, as they will now be ready to swim without you, with their pack, and refine their independent swimming.
It’s towards the end of their journey in Swim Academy Level 1, once their swimming strokes have developed, that a teacher will work with your child to learn to swim without their pack.
Swim ‘homework’
Keep your swimming journey going at home!
All Swim Stars will be provided with a colouring in sheet which doubles as a list of fun swim ideas to try each week at home – to support the progress in their lesson and to keep their passion for swimming growing outside of the pool environment.
First few weeks: what to expect
Lessons will focus on teaching children a variety of different skills and strokes – from front paddle and back paddle to jumping, holding on safely, climbing on, floating, rotating in the water and more.
In your first few weeks with us we will be sure to let your children settle in at their desired pace – offering clear instructions and support and encouraging them to progress towards independent swimming.
Continue your journey
We always say that “we are here for you every splash of the way”! Join our private Facebook group and to part of our swim share community.
Got a question? Our information and Swim Stars pages are a good place to head, as well as all of the articles and guides on our blog.
If we can help any further, you know where we are!
