Swimming lessons & pool access

Make a splash

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.

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.

Visit your nearest pool and book your lessons today!

*Membership-free swimming lessons available at selected centres

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, 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.

Kids swimming lessons

Children aged 3 and older can dive into 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.

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.

More information on our swimming lessons

• 1-to-1, 2-to-1 and group lessons are available for both adults and children
  • 1-to-1 and 2-to-1 lessons can be bought in 4, 8 or 12 packs
  • Group lessons can be bought in packs of 12 weeks
• All 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).

Check with your local club for more details.

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.

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 enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
    
    You can purchase swim lessons in your local centre using a credit or debit card. Once a space has been allocated, the easiest way to top up your lessons is online with a credit or debit card via CoursePro. 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 top up lessons through this portal once the initial payment has been made at reception. 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.

  • 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 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 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 during injury.

  • 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 lessonss 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, once all credits are used, they will expire – this will be after 12 weeks or the length of the group course.

  • 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.

• 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

  • Are your pools heated?

    Yes, all our swimming pools are heated.

  • 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.