How long does it take to learn to swim?

Learning time varies by age, natural ability, confidence, willingness to learn, and teaching style. Every swimmer progresses at their own pace.

Are teachers in the water during lessons?

Yes. Teachers are in the water during lessons for relevant levels to support confidence and delivery.

How many swimmers are in each class?

Pre‑School, Beginner & Improver: max 6 per class; Advanced: max 8 per class. Our internal standard is 1 teacher to 6 swimmers (teaching assistants may support but do not count toward this ratio). The above is for our standard group lessons. Our premium group lessons have a max of 3 per class.

What ages do you teach?

We teach from age 3 through to adults.

Do lessons run during school holidays?

Yes - lessons run 50 weeks per year. We pause only for two weeks over Christmas and you are not charged for those sessions.

Can I accompany my child in the pool?

No. We don’t offer adult‑and‑child lessons as standard (rare exceptions may apply, our ASN programme being one such).

Can I watch my child swim?

Yes. One spectator per swimmer is permitted poolside where venue rules allow.

Are changing facilities available?

Yes. Please vacate changing areas within 10 minutes of your lesson and supervise children at all times.

What should swimmers wear?

Tight‑fitting swimwear (costume or trunks) to reduce drag. Swim tops/wetsuits are allowed if they don’t hinder movement. Goggles and caps are optional. No jewellery; religious items may be worn if not hazardous. Female swimmers must cover their top half for child‑protection compliance.

Can my child use a snorkel mask?

No. Snorkel masks are not permitted during lessons.

Can I use my phone or take photos?

No phones or cameras in changing rooms. Photography during lessons is not allowed without teacher consent and safeguarding checks; teachers may decline requests.

How do I find and book lessons?

Use the Lesson Finder on our website to choose venues and times.

Do weekly swimmers get discounts on intensives?

Yes. Weekly swimmers are eligible for discounted intensive holiday lessons.

Do you teach under‑3s?

For swimmers under three, we refer families to our preferred partners Waterbabies and Turtle Tots, who operate at several of our venues.

Where do you run lessons?

Across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Edinburgh at partner venues including House of Schivas (Ellon area), Robert Gordon’s College (Aberdeen), Ardoe House Hotel & Spa (Aberdeen), The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel (Edinburgh), Thainstone House Hotel (near Inverurie), and Netherdale House (near Turriff).

Are there any venue‑specific rules (e.g., diving)?

Diving is only permitted at Robert Gordon’s College. At all other venues, diving is not permitted.

What levels do you offer?

Our Learn to Swim Pathway spans Pre‑School (Ducklings), Levels 1–5, and Club Ready for youth, plus Adult Learn to Swim (Beginner, Improver, Advanced). We also offer RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Bronze stages.

How is progression assessed?

Teachers continuously assess swimmers each lesson against our in‑house Framework; movement up a level happens when criteria are met and there is space in the next class.

Do you run themed weeks or special activities?

Yes. Each month we run a Themed Week where lessons retain core structure but include themed activities and props. End‑of‑term weeks may include games (group lessons) or lifesaving skills for advanced groups.

Can I get a certificate when my child completes a level?

Yes. Certificates are available on request when a swimmer passes a level; they’re posted to your nominated address and added to your next invoice.

Do parents/guardians need to stay during lessons?

Yes. Parents/guardians must remain on site for the entire lesson to assist with toilet breaks or behavioural issues. Staff do not accompany swimmers to the toilet. Parents/guardians of under‑8s must remain on the premises.

What should swimmers do when they’re not actively swimming?

Safety positions vary by venue and level (e.g., holding the wall or sitting on the side). Teachers will direct swimmers according to level and venue rules.

What is the expected behaviour during lessons?

We expect safe, respectful conduct from all swimmers and spectators. Teachers may remove a swimmer who persistently disrupts or creates risk; refunds are not offered where suitable alternatives cannot be arranged.

How much do lessons cost?

Group: £11.00; Premium Group: £16.00; Private 1‑2‑1: £30.75; Private 1‑2‑2: £20.50 per person.

How and when will I be charged?

Fees are paid monthly in advance and charged on the 1st of each month to your Parent Portal card for the number of lessons in that month (3, 4 or 5).

Yes. A non‑refundable deposit equal to four lessons secures your place and is held as account credit to be applied when you cancel. If prices have risen by the time you cancel, the monetary value of the deposit applies and may not cover four lessons.

How do I cancel and by when?

Cancel by email. To avoid the next month’s charge, notify us no later than three working days before month‑end. If late, the following month’s fees may still be collected and are non‑refundable.

Yes. We will give at least ten working days’ written notice of any change.

Are missed lessons refundable?

No. Fees are non‑refundable if a pupil misses a lesson or withdraws mid‑period.

Do you offer catch‑up lessons?

Yes, when an absence is marked in the Parent Portal (up to five catch‑up credits per swimmer per year). Credits are non‑refundable, space‑dependent, require 24 hours’ notice to book, and can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the policy on illness?

Please don’t attend if unwell. In exceptional circumstances, refunds/credits may be considered with medical evidence.

What happens if the pool is closed or a class is cancelled by you?

We will contact you as soon as possible and credit the value of the cancelled lesson to your next invoice. We may also cancel or merge classes if numbers fall below 50% capacity and will offer an alternative of the same level.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Lessons

How long does it take to learn to swim?
Learning time varies by age, natural ability, confidence, willingness to learn, and teaching style. Every swimmer progresses at their own pace.
Are teachers in the water during lessons?
Yes. Teachers are in the water during lessons for relevant levels to support confidence and delivery.
How long is each lesson?
All lessons are 30 minutes.
How many swimmers are in each class?
Pre‑School, Beginner & Improver: max 6 per class; Advanced: max 8 per class. Our internal standard is 1 teacher to 6 swimmers (teaching assistants may support but do not count toward this ratio).
The above is for our standard group lessons. Our premium group lessons have a max of 3 per class.
What ages do you teach?
We teach from age 3 through to adults.
Do lessons run during school holidays?
Yes - lessons run 50 weeks per year. We pause only for two weeks over Christmas and you are not charged for those sessions.
Can I accompany my child in the pool?
No. We don’t offer adult‑and‑child lessons as standard (rare exceptions may apply, our ASN programme being one such).
Can I watch my child swim?
Yes. One spectator per swimmer is permitted poolside where venue rules allow.

Changing Facilities, Dress Code & Equipment

Are changing facilities available?
Yes. Please vacate changing areas within 10 minutes of your lesson and supervise children at all times.
What should swimmers wear?
Tight‑fitting swimwear (costume or trunks) to reduce drag. Swim tops/wetsuits are allowed if they don’t hinder movement. Goggles and caps are optional. No jewellery; religious items may be worn if not hazardous. Female swimmers must cover their top half for child‑protection compliance.
Can my child use a snorkel mask?
No. Snorkel masks are not permitted during lessons.
Can I use my phone or take photos?
No phones or cameras in changing rooms. Photography during lessons is not allowed without teacher consent and safeguarding checks; teachers may decline requests.

Booking, Partners & Other

How do I find and book lessons?
Use the Lesson Finder on our website to choose venues and times.
Do weekly swimmers get discounts on intensives?
Yes. Weekly swimmers are eligible for discounted intensive holiday lessons.
Do you teach under‑3s?
For swimmers under three, we refer families to our preferred partners Waterbabies and Turtle Tots, who operate at several of our venues.

Venues & Locations

Where do you run lessons?
Across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Edinburgh at partner venues including House of Schivas (Ellon area), Robert Gordon’s College (Aberdeen), Ardoe House Hotel & Spa (Aberdeen), The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel (Edinburgh), Thainstone House Hotel (near Inverurie), and Netherdale House (near Turriff).
Are there any venue‑specific rules (e.g., diving)?
Diving is only permitted at Robert Gordon’s College. At all other venues, diving is not permitted.

Programme & Pathway

What levels do you offer?
Our Learn to Swim Pathway spans Pre‑School (Ducklings), Levels 1–5, and Club Ready for youth, plus Adult Learn to Swim (Beginner, Improver, Advanced). We also offer RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Bronze stages.
How is progression assessed?
Teachers continuously assess swimmers each lesson against our in‑house Framework; movement up a level happens when criteria are met and there is space in the next class.
Do you run themed weeks or special activities?
Yes. Each month we run a Themed Week where lessons retain core structure but include themed activities and props. End‑of‑term weeks may include games (group lessons) or lifesaving skills for advanced groups.
Can I get a certificate when my child completes a level?
Yes. Certificates are available on request when a swimmer passes a level; they’re posted to your nominated address and added to your next invoice.

Safety, Supervision & Conduct

Do parents/guardians need to stay during lessons?
Yes. Parents/guardians must remain on site for the entire lesson to assist with toilet breaks or behavioural issues. Staff do not accompany swimmers to the toilet. Parents/guardians of under‑8s must remain on the premises.
What should swimmers do when they’re not actively swimming?
Safety positions vary by venue and level (e.g., holding the wall or sitting on the side). Teachers will direct swimmers according to level and venue rules.
What is the expected behaviour during lessons?
We expect safe, respectful conduct from all swimmers and spectators. Teachers may remove a swimmer who persistently disrupts or creates risk; refunds are not offered where suitable alternatives cannot be arranged.

Pricing, Payments & Cancellations

How much do lessons cost?
Group: £11.00; Premium Group: £16.00; Private 1‑2‑1: £30.75; Private 1‑2‑2: £20.50 per person.
How and when will I be charged?
Fees are paid monthly in advance and charged on the 1st of each month to your Parent Portal card for the number of lessons in that month (3, 4 or 5).
Is there a deposit?
Yes. A non‑refundable deposit equal to four lessons secures your place and is held as account credit to be applied when you cancel. If prices have risen by the time you cancel, the monetary value of the deposit applies and may not cover four lessons.
How do I cancel and by when?
Cancel by email. To avoid the next month’s charge, notify us no later than three working days before month‑end. If late, the following month’s fees may still be collected and are non‑refundable.
Can prices change?
Yes. We will give at least ten working days’ written notice of any change.

Absences, Catch‑ups, Refunds & Closures

Are missed lessons refundable?
No. Fees are non‑refundable if a pupil misses a lesson or withdraws mid‑period.
Do you offer catch‑up lessons?
Yes, when an absence is marked in the Parent Portal (up to five catch‑up credits per swimmer per year). Credits are non‑refundable, space‑dependent, require 24 hours’ notice to book, and can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.
What is the policy on illness?
Please don’t attend if unwell. In exceptional circumstances, refunds/credits may be considered with medical evidence.
What happens if the pool is closed or a class is cancelled by you?
We will contact you as soon as possible and credit the value of the cancelled lesson to your next invoice. We may also cancel or merge classes if numbers fall below 50% capacity and will offer an alternative of the same level.