Swimming Lessons at Gosforth Fitness & Wellbeing Gym

Learn to swim at Gosforth gym

At Gosforth gym, all our instructors are Swim England qualified and follow the Swim England Frameworks. Whether it’s your child’s first time in the water or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, our swimming instructors are dedicated to helping you and your child develop essential aquatic skills while building your confidence in the water.

• We offer group lessons for children and adults
• All our lessons are 30 minutes in duration (except for Group Squad sessions, which are 60 minutes).
• Our swim lesson programmes run throughout the year for 50 weeks (with a 2-week break in December).
• We offer lessons to members and non-members.

Members can enjoy a discount on swimming lessons for both children and adults.

Kids swimming lessons

Children aged 4 and older can dive into the Learn to Swim Stage 1-7 Awards. Our experienced instructors will guide your child in developing vital water safety skills while building their confidence and ability in the water. We offer group lessons for children.

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Adult swimming lessons

Our adult group 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 lessons following the Adult Swimming Framework.

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FAQs

How much do swimming lessons cost at Gosforth gym?

For pricing information, please visit the gym and speak to the team.

At what age can my child start swimming lessons?

Kids' swimming lessons start at 4 years old.

How many swimming lessons are needed to learn how to swim?

Every child learns at a different pace. Typically, children aged 3 and older who take 30-minute lessons each week can swim confidently within about 12 months.

Which strokes and skills are taught at Gosforth gym?

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

General 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.

• About our swimming lessons
  • Which strokes and skills are taught at Nuffield Health Swim Schools?

    We follow the Swim England Framework for children and adults, teaching the four main strokes:

    • Front crawl
    • Backstroke
    • Breaststroke
    • Butterfly
  • Are your pools heated?

    Yes, all our swimming pools are heated.

• Baby swimming lessons
  • What age can my baby start swimming?

    We offer baby swimming lessons from 5 months old.

  • What should my baby wear for swimming lessons?

    • A paper or reusable swim nappy
    • Swimsuit, swim set (i.e. shorts and long-sleeved vest) or wetsuit

  • Does my baby need to have all their vaccinations before the start swimming lessons?

    We follow NHS guidelines, which state that your baby does not need to have all their vaccinations before starting swimming lessons.

  • Can I purchase swimming lessons for my baby, even though I’m not a Nuffield Health member?

    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.
    
    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.

• Kids swimming lessons
  • What age can my child start swimming?

    Our swim school for children start at 3 years old.

  • What should my child wear for swimming lessons?

    Choose swimwear with minimal fabric and attachments to ensure freedom of movement.
    
    Swim caps are recommended, especially for children with long hair.
    
    Goggles are optional - they can shield your child's eyes from chlorine and increaser their comfort while swimming.

  • Do I need to get in the water with my child during lessons?

    No, once they reach 3 years, they can join a class of maximum 4 swimmers and the teacher is in the water with them.

  • How long will it take my child to learn to swim?

    Every child learns at a different pace. Typically, children aged 3 and older who take 30-minute lessons each week are able to swim confidently within about 12 months.

  • How can I check my child’s progress?

    You can view updates on your child’s progress by logging into your account on CoursePro. Please speak to a member of the swim team for guidance on how to do this if you’re unsure.

  • What if my child isn't enjoying it?

    The goal is for your child to learn to swim, and with your support, we can make progress together. We might ask you to stay on the poolside or even join the class in the water to provide encouragement.

  • What happens if my child is sick and can’t make a lesson?

    We will need a medical exception letter to say that they are unable to swim and will be able to add credits on for the lessons missed due to sickness.

  • Do you only offer swimming lessons during term time?

    Nuffield Health runs swim lessons throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a 2 week break in December.

  • Do group swimming lessons run during the school holidays?

    Nuffield Health runs swimming lessons throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a 2 week break in December.

  • Do you offer group crash courses for children?

    Group Crash Courses are not available at any of our centres. We run swimming lessons throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a 2 week break in December.

  • Can I purchase swimming lessons for my child or children, even though I’m not a Nuffield Health member?

    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.
    
    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.

• Adult swimming lessons
  • What age groups do you offer adult lessons for?

    Our adult swimming lessons are from 16 years old and up.

  • What types of adult swimming lessons do you provide?

    We offer 1-to-1, 2-to-1 and group lessons for adults of all abilities – from complete beginners to those who are confident in the water but want to improve their technique.

  • 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.

  • Are the classes mixed gender?

    Yes, our swimming lessons are for any adult wanting to learn to swim.

  • Do swimming lessons run over bank holidays?

    Please speak to your centre directly with regards to lesson dates and times.

  • Do you offer discounts?

    All Nuffield Health members get 25% off adult and child swimming lessons.

• Group swimming lessons
  • How many lessons are the group courses?

    Our traditional Learn to Swim group courses are all 12 lessons in length.

  • How long are the group lessons?

    Our group lessons are all 30 minutes in length, except for our group Squad sessions which are 60 minutes in length.

  • Are group courses available for adults?

    Yes, our group courses are available for adults and children. Please speak to your local centre to check availability and for further information.

  • How will the dates and times of each lesson be communicated to me?

    The swim manager will pass on communications regarding swim lesson dates and times.

  • Does the group course run during the school holidays?

    Yes, our group courses run throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a 2 week break in December.

  • Do group swimming lessons run over the bank holidays?

    Please speak to your centre directly with regards to lesson dates and times.

  • Do you offer group crash courses for children?

    Group Crash Courses are not available at any of our centres. We run swimming lessons throughout the year for 50 consecutive weeks, with a 2 week break in December.

  • What happens if my child is sick and can’t make a session?

    We will need a medical exception letter to say that you are unable to swim and will be able to add credits on for the lessons missed due to sickness.

  • How does my child learn to swim if they use floatation equipment during lessons?

    Flotation equipment helps children learn to swim by providing buoyancy and support, allowing them to focus on developing swimming techniques without the fear of sinking. It builds confidence in the water, encourages proper body positioning, and gives them the freedom to practice skills such as kicking, arm strokes and rotation.

  • What happens if my child can't touch the bottom of the swimming pool?

    We provide platforms for little ones.

• 2-to-1 swimming lessons
  • How do I purchase 2-to-1 (partner) swimming lessons?

    You can purchase 2-to-1 swim lessons as 4, 8 and 12 packs in your local fitness and wellbeing centre with a debit or credit card. Direct debit is not currently available.

  • Is this purchased by one person or two?

    We would take one payment from one of the ‘partners’.
    
    Please note that both swimmers need to be either members (to receive member pricing), or both people need to be non-members (to receive non-member pricing), we do not allow a mix of 1 member and 1 non-member.

  • Do I have to stick with the same partner for the whole 4, 8 or 12 pack/ every lesson?

    Yes, you must stay with the same partner for the entire duration of each purchased pack..

  • Which packs are 2-to-1 swimming lessons available to purchase in?

    2-to-1 swimming lessons is available as 4, 8 and 12 packs, and lessons are 30 minutes in length.

  • How does the 25% discount each work for 2-to-1?

    Our 2-to-1 swim packs are 150% of the price of our like for like 1-to-1 4, 8 and 12 packs. Therefore, you are making a saving of 25% each compared to like for like 1-to-1 packs.