Swimming lessons & pool access

Swimming lessons available for members and non-members*

Or use my current location

Make a splash with us

With a variety of swimming lessons for all ages and abilities, we offer plenty of ways to stay active and have fun in the water — whether you're a gym member or not*. Check our FAQs to see which centres offer lessons for non-members.

To get started, simply book your swimming lessons online by clicking the button below.

Book swimming lessons

Only interested in pool access?

Members have unlimited access to the pool, can participate in group exercise classes like aqua aerobics, and enjoy our steam and sauna rooms. Additionally, members receive a discount on swimming lessons for both children and adults.

Not a member yet? Find out about our memberships.

Why choose Nuffield Health for Swimming Lessons?

Lessons available to everyone
Learn to swim, whether you’re a member or non-member.*
Individual or group lessons
1-to-1, 2-to-1, and group lessons for both adults and children.
30–60-minute sessions
All our lessons are 30 minutes in duration (except for Group Squad sessions, which are 60 minutes).
Year-round availability
Lessons run 50 weeks per year, with a 2-week break in December.
110 pools nationwide
With pools across the country, you will always be close to your next swim.**

*Membership-free swimming lessons available at selected centres.
**Enjoy full access to both the gym and pool with your membership — we offer combined access rather than pool-only memberships.

Learn to swim with us

Swimming is a vital life skill — you’re never too young or old to start. Whether it’s your child’s first time in the water, you’re looking to sharpen your skills, or you’re recovering physically, our heated pools and friendly atmosphere make learning to swim fun.

All our instructors are Swim England qualified (or equivalent), following the Swim England Frameworks to help you learn aquatic skills and boost your confidence in the water.


Baby swimming lessons

Help your little one develop a valuable life skill with our baby swimming lessons. In partnership with Water Babies, experienced baby swimming instructors will help you teach your child how to swim through fun and engaging classes.

We offer baby swimming lessons from 5 months to 3 years old.

Available at selected centres.

  • Parent and Child Classes

    Our Parent and Child classes are ideal for helping children gain water confidence while staying close to adult support. These sessions are a key part of the early swim journey and are followed by our preschool classes.

    We offer different class configurations based on age, though availability may vary by site:

    • Adult and Child 0–1 yr
    • Adult and Child 1–2 yr
    • Adult and Child 2–3 yr
    • Adult and Child 0–3 yr
    • Adult and Child 0–18 months
    • Adult and Child 18–36 months

    These classes support the Discovery Duckling Awards (1–4), each with its own certificate and badge. These awards help children develop essential water skills in a fun and safe environment.

Kids swimming lessons

Children aged 4 and older can jump in to the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme.

Our experienced instructors will guide your child in developing vital water safety skills while building their confidence and ability in the water.

We offer private lessons (either 1-to-1 or 2-to-1) as well as group lessons.

  • Learn to Swim Stages 1–7
    • Learn to Swim Stage 1

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 1 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Enter the water safely.
      2. Move forward for a distance of 5 metres, feet may be on or off the floor.
      3. Move backwards for a distance of 5 metres, feet may be on or off the floor.
      4. Move sideways for a distance of 5 metres, feet may be on or off the floor.
      5. Scoop the water and wash the face.
      6. Be comfortable with water showered from overhead.
      7. Move from a flat floating position on the back and return to standing.
      8. Move from a flat floating position on the front and return to standing.
      9. Push and glide in a flat position on the front from a wall.
      10. Push and glide in a flat position on the back from a wall.
      11. Give examples of two pool rules.
      12. Exit the water safely.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 1

    • Learn to Swim Stage 2

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 2 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Jump in from poolside safely.
      2. Blow bubbles a minimum of three times rhythmically, with nose and mouth submerged.
      3. Move from a flat floating position on the back and return to standing without support.
      4. Move from a flat floating position on the front and return to standing without support.
      5. Push from a wall and glide on the back – arms can be by the side or above the head.
      6. Push from a wall and glide on the front with arms extended.
      7. Travel using a recognised leg action with feet off the pool floor on the back for 5 metres, without the use of floatation equipment.
      8. Travel using a recognised leg action with feet off the pool floor on the front for 5 metres, without the use of floatation equipment.
      9. Perform a tuck to rotate from a flat floating position on the front, to a back floating position, then return to standing.
      10. Perform a tuck to rotate from a flat floating position on the back, to a front floating position, then return to standing.
      11. Perform a log roll from the back to the front.
      12. Perform a log roll from the front to the back.
      13. Exit the water without support.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 2

    • Learn to Swim Stage 3

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 3 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Jump in from poolside and submerge.
      2. Sink, push away from wall and maintain a streamlined position.
      3. Push and glide on the front with arms extended and log roll onto the back.
      4. Push and glide on the back with arms extended and log roll onto the front.
      5. Travel 5 metres on the front, perform a tuck to rotate onto the back and return on the back.
      6. Fully submerge to pick up an object.
      7. Correctly identify three of the four key water safety messages.
      8. Push and glide and travel 10 metres on the back.
      9. Push and glide and travel 10 metres on the front.
      10. Perform a tuck float and hold for three seconds.
      11. Exit the water without using steps.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 3

    • Learn to Swim Stage 4

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 4 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Perform a sequence of changing shapes (minimum of three) whilst floating on the surface and demonstrate an understanding of floating.
      2. Push and glide from the wall towards the pool floor.
      3. Kick 10 metres backstroke (one item of equipment optional).
      4. Kick 10 metres front crawl (one item of equipment optional).
      5. Kick 10 metres butterfly on the front or on the back.
      6. Kick 10 metres breaststroke on the front (one item of equipment optional).
      7. Perform a headfirst sculling action for 5 metres in a flat position on the back.
      8. Travel on back and log roll in one continuous movement onto front.
      9. Travel on front and log roll in one continuous movement onto back.
      10. Push and glide and swim 10 metres, choice of stroke is optional.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 4

    • Learn to Swim Stage 5

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 5 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Perform a flat stationary scull on the back.
      2. Perform a feet first sculling action for 5 metres in a flat position on the back.
      3. Perform a sculling sequence with a partner for 30-45 seconds to include a rotation.
      4. Tread water for 30 seconds.
      5. Perform three different shaped jumps into deep water.
      6. Push and glide and swim 10 metres backstroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      7. Push and glide and swim 10 metres front crawl (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      8. Push and glide and swim 10 metres breaststroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      9. Push and glide and swim 10 metres butterfly (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      10. Perform a handstand and hold for a minimum of three seconds.
      11. Perform a forward somersault.
      12. Demonstrate an action for getting help.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 5

    • Learn to Swim Stage 6

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 6 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Give two examples of how to prepare for exercise and understand why it is important.
      2. Sink, push off on side from the wall, glide, kick and rotate into backstroke.
      3. Sink, push off on side from the wall, glide, kick and rotate into front crawl.
      4. Swim 10 metres wearing clothes.
      5. Push and glide and swim front crawl to include at least six rhythmical breaths.
      6. Push and glide and swim breaststroke to include at least six rhythmical breaths.
      7. Push and glide and swim butterfly to include at least three rhythmical breaths.
      8. Push and glide and swim backstroke to include at least six regular breaths.
      9. Push and glide and swim 25 metres, choice of stroke is optional.
      10. Perform a ‘shout and signal’ rescue.
      11. Perform a surface dive.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 6

    • Learn to Swim Stage 7

      By completing the Learn to Swim Stage 7 Award, swimmers will be able to:

      1. Push and glide and swim 25 metres backstroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      2. Push and glide and swim 25 metres front crawl (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      3. Push and glide and swim 25 metres breaststroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      4. Push and glide and swim 25 metres butterfly (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      5. Perform a movement sequence (linking skills with strokes and sculls) of one minute duration, in a group of three or more, incorporating a number of the following skills:
        • Sculling: headfirst, feet first
        • Rotation: forward or backward somersault, log roll
        • Floating: star on the front or on the back, tuck float, create own
        • Eggbeater: Moving, lifting one or both arms out of the water
      6. Perform a sitting dive or dive.
      7. Push and glide and swim 50 metres continuously using one stroke (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      8. Push and glide and swim 100 metres, using a minimum of three different strokes (performed to Swim England expected standards).
      9. Tread water using eggbeater action for 30 seconds.
      10. Complete an obstacle course (using minimum of four objects) with feet off the pool floor throughout.

      Find out more about Swim Stage 7

Adult swimming lessons

Our adult swimming lessons are designed for everyone, regardless of skill level.

Whether you're a beginner, want to feel more confident in the water, or wish to improve your technique.

We offer private lessons (either 1-to-1 or 2-to-1) as well as group lessons, following the Adult Swimming Framework.

  • Be Water Confident

    This Award is about gaining the confidence to enter the pool safely. It also covers the ability to move around the pool with confidence and to achieve basic core aquatic skills. These are:

    • Entries
    • Exits
    • Buoyancy
    • Balance
    • Aquatic breathing
  • Be a Swimmer

    By the time you earn this Award you will have the necessary skills to start swimming independently over short distances (5 to 10 metres). You won’t need support or floatation equipment.

    At this stage, we recommend you also try the Adult Distance Awards – 5 metres, 10 metres and 25 metres.

  • Be a Better Swimmer

    By this point you’ll be able to swim up to 400 metres independently. You’ll also have the confidence to try other pool activities, such as Aquacise or lane swimming.

    At this stage, we recommend you build your stamina even more, with our Adult Distance Awards – 50 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres.

  • Be a Master Swimmer

    Gaining this Award means you can confidently enter the Masters section of a swimming club (find more on Masters swimming here).

    It’s about more advanced swimming skills to enable you to compete at different levels and in different sports such as triathlon, open water swimming and lane swimming.

    At this stage you can also achieve our most advanced Adult Distance Awards – 800 metres and 1 mile.

Family Splash

Putting the focus on family fun, our dedicated Family Splash swim times ensure that you and your family can enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to swim, splash and play. Available at all Nuffield Health family centres at no additional cost to members.*

*See your centre’s timetable for more information on family swim times.

Ready to book your swimming lessons?

All swimming lessons are booked online and paid for using Direct Debit. To get started, click ‘Book online’ below — you’ll see pricing and timetable details in our booking portal.

Book online

Prefer to speak to someone?
Contact us, visit your local centre, or use the enquiry form below — we’re happy to help.

Or, check out our FAQs below for quick answers.

Improve your swimming

Our swimming experts share their knowledge to ensure you get the most out of your time in the water.

Play video: How to swim breaststroke Play video: How to swim front crawl Play video: How to swim backstroke Play video: How to swim butterfly

Five essential items you'll need for swimming lessons:

  1. Swimsuit: A comfortable and well-fitting swimsuit is crucial for ease of movement in the water.
  2. Goggles: These help protect your eyes from chlorine and improve visibility underwater.
  3. Swim cap: While not always necessary, a swim cap can help keep your hair out of your face and reduce drag in the water.
  4. Towel: A large, absorbent towel is essential for drying off after your lesson.
  5. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially after physical activity, so bring a water bottle to keep yourself refreshed.
Swimming front crawl

Swimming training plan: Beginner →

Games to play in the pool

10 fun games to play in the swimming pool →

A beginner's guide to open water swimming →

Swimming lesson FAQs

  • Buying swimming lessons
    • How much do swimming lessons cost?

      We offer both private (1-to-1 or 2-to-1) and group swimming lessons. For detailed pricing, please speak to your local centre.

    • How can I purchase swimming lessons?

      The first step is to make an enquiry either in person at your local centre or via the online swim booking button on the swim pages of the site.

      All our lessons are now booked online and using a direct debit. Simply ask a member of the swim team for more information and they will be happy to guide you through the process.

    • Do I have to be a member of Nuffield Health to purchase swimming lessons?

      For the majority of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Ask at your local centre for information on any restrictions.

      The centres that do not offer lessons to non-members are: Baltimore Wharf, Barbican, Bridgend, Bristol North, Cannock, Chester, Chislehurst, Ealing, Friern Barnet, Gloucester, Kingston, Liverpool, Paddington, Surbiton, Warwick, Wolverhampton.

      In some of our centres our swim school is oversubscribed and as such you will need to be a member to participate in swimming lessons.

    • What happens once I have paid for my swim packs?

      You will receive an email confirming the times and days of your swimming lessons. You will also receive a link to follow to see the swimmer’s CoursePro Progress. You will be able to see your direct debit details and lessons through this portal once the initial payment has been made. You will also be able to see all criteria assessments for the stages booked.

    • Who carries out swimming lessons?

      Our experienced Swim England qualified instructors provide lessons in accordance with the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme Frameworks.

    • How do I arrange my lessons?

      Please arrange these with the Swim Manager at your local centre or click here to book online

    • How long is a swimming lesson?

      All of our swim lessons are 30 minutes in length except for our Squad group lessons which are 60 minutes in length.

    • What strokes and skills are covered in Nuffield Health's swimming lessons?

      We follow the Swim England Framework for both children and adults, teaching the four main strokes: front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

      You or your child will also pick up important skills like treading water, pushing off and gliding, diving, and submerging to retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool.

  • Cancellations and missing a lesson
    • What happens in events where lessons need to be cancelled?

      Teacher Absences - If a swimming teacher is absent, a qualified replacement will deliver the session. Refunds or credits will not be issued for lessons taught by a cover teacher. If a swimming teacher leaves Nuffield Health, another qualified teacher will take over the class. Refunds or credits will not be provided due to a change in instructor.

      Lesson Cancellations - If a lesson is cancelled by the club, a pro rata credit will be applied to your account and reflected in the following month’s Direct Debit payment.

      Non-Attendance: Any missed lessons—for any reason—will not be refunded, credited, or rescheduled. If we need to cancel a lesson and cannot offer a catch-up session, we will apply a credit toward your next payment. For closures on the day, the refund will be processed through.

    • What happens if I miss a lesson/s?

      Unless there is a medical reason for missing the lesson, you will lose a credit. If you need to miss lessons for a medical reason, please provide a medical exception letter to say that you are unable to swim and contact your local centre as soon as possible.

    • Can I cancel swim lessons purchased online via CoursePro or in-centre before the course or session starts?

      We run a continuous swim program. If for any reason, Nuffield Health needs to cancel a swimming lesson your/your child’s swimming lessons credit will not be affected. NB: in adverse weather conditions, where the centre remains open and scheduled lessons go ahead, credits will not be given to those who do not attend.

      However, if you are having private 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 swimming lessons you will be able to cancel before the session starts. You are responsible for providing adequate notice of any cancellation for private 1-to- or 2-to-1 lessons. Nuffield Health requires a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice of cancellation and failure to provide this notice will result in a full deduction in your credits for the lesson(s) missed. NB: that a message left on an answer phone is not considered satisfactory notice.

    • Can I amend or change the time of my swimming lessons?

      We can change times and days on a permanent basis, but not on a weekly basis.

    • What happens if I get injured and can’t continue with my swimming lessons or course?

      We allow swim subscriptions to be frozen for full calendar months in cases of prolonged illness or injury, provided you submit appropriate medical documentation.

      We are unable to freeze payments for:

      • Absences of one week or less
      • Minor illnesses (e.g. colds, seasonal bugs)
      • Short-term holidays or personal commitments
      • School breaks or temporary preferences
      • Temporary personal health needs (e.g. menstruation)
    • When do my swimming lessons expire?

      All private lesson packs (1-to-1 and 2-to-1) have an expiry of 90-days. This means you can use your lessons for up to 90-days from purchase. However, if your lessons go past their expiry date and you have not used them within the 90-day window, then the lessons will be lost (barring medical or extenuating circumstances).

      For group lessons, are on a continuous course and run for 50 weeks of the year.

    • What happens to my lessons if I go past expiry?

      If your lessons go past the expiry date for the given pack and you have not used them, then the lessons will be lost.

    • Can I get a refund if I don’t like it?

      Nuffield Health Swim School does not provide refunds. Upon exceptional circumstances, credits may be issued. Credits may be issued upon the following proviso only; medical, in which medical documentation is provided.

Get in touch about any our swimming lessons or activities

Please fill out the form below and we'll get back to you.

Thank you

A member of the team will respond to you soon.

To continue to receive communications from Nuffield Health about our exclusive offers, products and services, then please tell us how you'd like to be contacted by ticking the relevant boxes below:

On occasion Nuffield Health may contact you with pertinent service information in regards to services we provide. Note that you can either amend or withdraw your consent at any time.

For information about where your personal data may be processed, how it may be processed and for details of our Data Protection Officer, please see our Privacy Policy.