Swimming lessons & pool access

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.

*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.

• Preschool Swimming Lessons
  • Stage 1 – Water confidence & basic movement (with adult support)

    Key Skills:

    • Safe entry and exit (with help)
    • Floating and kicking with support
    • Blowing bubbles
  • Stage 2 – Early independence and basic control in water

    Key Skills:

    • Sitting entry rotation and submersion
    • Moving along the wall without support
    • Blowing objects across the water
  • Stage 3 – Independent movement and first technique skills

    Key Skills:

    • Jumping into an adult’s arms
    • Floating and gliding without support
    • Bubble blowing underwater
    • Travelling 5m and kicking with a float
  • Stage 4 – Confidence and control in deeper water and longer distances

    Key Skills:

    • Jumping in unaided with star/mushroom floats
    • 10m swim and return to start point
    • Full submersion

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.

Improve your swimming

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

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 training plan: Beginner →

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 submit an enquiry through our online swim booking portal, which you can access via the Swim Booking button on our swim pages. If you prefer, you can also make an enquiry in person at your local centre.
    
    All group swimming lessons are paid for by monthly direct debit. For private lessons, you can choose to pay by monthly direct debit or purchase a block of 4-lesson or 8-lesson packs, giving you the flexibility to select the option that suits you best.

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

    At most of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Please 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 and Wolverhampton.
    
    At some of our centres, our swim school is oversubscribed. In these cases, you will need to be a member to take part 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 view the swimmer's CoursePro progress.
    
    Once the initial payment has been made, you will be able to view your direct debit details and lessons through this portal. You will also be able to see all criteria assessments for the stages booked.

  • Who carries out swimming lessons?

    Our highly skilled swimming instructors deliver lessons in accordance with the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme Framework.

  • How do I arrange my lessons?

    Please arrange your lessons via our online booking portal, or speak with a member of the team at your local centre, who will be happy to help.

  • How long is a swimming lesson?

    All our swim lessons are 30 minutes long, except for our Squad group lessons, which are 60 minutes long.

  • 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 learn important skills such as 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 when lessons need to be cancelled?

    Teacher absences
    
    If a swimming teacher is absent and we are unable to provide a qualified replacement, the lesson will be cancelled. A pro-rata adjustment for the missed session will be applied to your next month's direct debit payment. Refunds are not issued.
    
    Lesson cancellations by Nuffield Health
    
    If we need to cancel a lesson for any reason, including pool closures, operational issues or staffing, a pro-rata adjustment will be applied to your following month's direct debit. Refunds are not provided.
    
    Non-attendance
    
    If a swimmer misses a lesson for any reason, including illness, holidays or personal commitments, the session cannot be refunded, credited or rescheduled.

  • What happens if I miss a lesson?

    If a lesson is missed for any reason, including illness, holidays or personal circumstances, the session cannot be refunded, credited or rescheduled.

    If you are unable to attend lessons for an ongoing medical reason, please provide a medical note confirming that you or your child cannot 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 programme. If Nuffield Health needs to cancel a swimming lesson, your direct debit payment will be adjusted in the following month to reflect the cancelled session.
    
    Please note: If the centre remains open and lessons go ahead, including during adverse weather, missed sessions cannot be refunded, rescheduled or credited.

    For private 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 lessons, you may cancel before the session starts. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required. Failure to provide sufficient notice will result in the session being charged in full.

    Please note: A message left on an answerphone is not considered sufficient 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 (for example, colds or seasonal bugs)
    • Short-term holidays or personal commitments
    • School breaks or temporary preferences
    • Temporary personal health needs (for example, menstruation)
  • When do my swimming lessons expire?

    All private lesson packs (1-to-1 and 2-to-1) expire after 90 days. This means you can use your lessons for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. If you do not use your lessons within the 90-day window, they will be lost, except in medical or extenuating circumstances.
    
    Group lessons run as part of a continuous course for 50 weeks of the year.

  • What happens to my lessons if they go past their expiry date?

    If your lessons pass their expiry date and have not been used, the remaining lessons will be lost.

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

    Nuffield Health Swim School does not provide refunds for lessons. Refunds are only considered in exceptional circumstances, and only at the discretion of management.

    In medical circumstances where you or your child are unable to continue swimming, a refund may be considered only when appropriate 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
    • A swimsuit, swim set (for example, shorts and a long-sleeved vest) or wetsuit
  • Does my baby need to have all their vaccinations before starting 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?

    At most of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Please ask at your local centre for information on any restrictions.
    
    At some of our centres, our swim school is oversubscribed. In these cases, you will need to be a member to take part in swimming lessons.

• Children's swimming lessons
  • What age can my child start swimming?

    We offer swimming lessons for all ages, from babies and toddlers through to children, teenagers and adults. There are options available for every stage of the swimming journey.

  • 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 protect your child's eyes from chlorine and increase their comfort while swimming.

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

    Once your child is ready for our pre-school classes (typically aged 3+), they will join a small group of up to four swimmers and you will no longer need to be in the water with them.

    When they reach school age, or have completed the pre-school programme, they can progress to a Stage 1 class, where the ratio is a maximum of six swimmers to one instructor.

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

    Every child learns at a different pace. Typically, children aged 3 and over 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 if you're unsure how to do this.

  • What if my child isn't enjoying it?

    All swimmers take to the water differently, and it is completely normal for children to need time to settle in.
    
    Our instructors will work closely with your child, creating a safe, fun and encouraging environment where they can grow in confidence, develop their skills and learn essential water-safety knowledge at their own pace.
    
    If you ever have concerns, our team is always happy to chat about how we can best support your child's swimming journey.

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

    If your child is unwell and unable to attend, the missed lesson cannot be refunded, rescheduled or credited.
    
    If your child has a medical condition that prevents them from swimming for an extended period, please provide a medical note from a healthcare professional. This helps us ensure their safety and determine whether any adjustments to future payments may be needed.

  • Do you only offer swimming lessons during term time?

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

  • Do you offer group crash courses for children?

    Yes, we offer crash courses alongside our regular weekly lessons. These intensive sessions run during school holidays, allowing us to offer convenient daytime slots.
    
    Crash courses are great for building confidence, accelerating progress, or for prospective swimmers who would like to try our lessons before joining the programme.
    
    You can book crash courses online, or speak with a member of the team at your local site, who will be happy to help.

  • Can I purchase swimming lessons for my child even though I'm not a Nuffield Health member?

    At most of our centres, swimming lessons are available to members and non-members. Please ask at your local centre for information on any restrictions.
    
    At some of our centres, our swim school is oversubscribed. In these cases, you will need to be a member to take part in swimming lessons.

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

    Our adult swimming lessons are available for anyone aged 16 and over.

  • What types of adult swimming lessons do you provide?

    We offer a range of adult swimming options to suit all abilities. Our very small group lessons have a maximum of four swimmers, creating a friendly and inclusive environment with plenty of individual support.

    We also provide 1-to-1 and 2-to-1 lessons for those who prefer more personalised coaching or focused technique development.

  • How long is a swimming lesson?

    All our swim lessons are 30 minutes long, except for our Squad group lessons, which are 60 minutes long.

  • Are the classes mixed gender?

    Yes, our swimming lessons are open to any adult who wants to learn to swim.

  • Do swimming lessons run over bank holidays?

    Yes, our swimming lessons run for 50 weeks of the year, including bank holidays.

    We take a two-week break over Christmas, when lessons pause.

    If you need specific dates for your centre, please check with the team at your local club.

  • Do you offer discounts?

    All Nuffield Health members receive 25% off adult and children's swimming lessons.

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

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

  • How long are the group lessons?

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

  • 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 communicate lesson dates and times to you.

  • Do the group courses run during the school holidays?

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

  • Do group swimming lessons run over bank holidays?

    Please speak to your centre directly regarding 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 two-week break in December.

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

    We will need a medical exception letter confirming that your child is unable to swim. We will then be able to apply credit for the lessons missed due to illness.

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

    Flotation equipment helps children learn to swim by providing buoyancy and support, allowing them to focus on developing swimming techniques without fear of sinking. It builds confidence in the water, encourages proper body positioning, and gives them the freedom to practise 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-lesson packs at your local fitness and wellbeing centre using a debit or credit card. Direct debit is not currently available.

  • Is this purchased by one person or two?

    We take one payment from one of the partners.
    
    Please note that both swimmers must either be members, to receive member pricing, or both be non-members, to receive non-member pricing. We do not allow a combination of one member and one non-member.

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

    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 in?

    2-to-1 swimming lessons are available as 4-, 8- and 12-lesson packs, and each lesson is 30 minutes long.

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

    Our 2-to-1 swim packs are priced at 150% of the equivalent 1-to-1 4-, 8- and 12-lesson packs. This means each swimmer saves 25% compared with purchasing equivalent 1-to-1 packs.