We’re so pleased your child is joining our swimming lesson programme. Learning to swim is not only a vital life skill but also a chance to build confidence, make friends and have fun. To help you and your child get the most out of the experience, here’s everything you need to know.
Before You Arrive
• If it’s your child’s first lesson, visiting the Centre for a public swim session or just a walk around beforehand can help them feel familiar.
• Close-fitting costumes (not board shorts) make swimming easier and more comfortable.
• Goggles and swimming hats are encouraged but not essential.
• Avoid eating an hour before lessons.
• For our youngest swimmers in some Splash lessons, a parent or guardian may need to accompany a child in the water, this will be communicated with you at the time of enquiry / booking.
When You Arrive
• Please check in at reception (where required) and head towards the changing rooms.
• Children aged 8 and over should use the male or female changing rooms as appropriate. Our Admission Policy has more information on this.
• Lockers / storage options are available for your belongings, we ask you to please not leave clothes in cubicles or on benches.
• Arrive 5 minutes before your lesson is due to start and be ready to be met by the Swimming Teacher, this will more than likely be poolside.
During the Lesson
• Swimming lessons last 30 minutes for Splash classes and Waves 1–3, and 40 minutes for Waves 4–7.
• Spectators are welcome in our viewing areas (please check at your Leisure Centre for details).
• A responsible person must remain in the building if your child is under 8 years old. See our full Admission Policy for more information:
• To help children stay focused, please allow the Teacher to lead — it can be distracting for children if extra instructions are being given.
• Enjoy seeing your child learn new skills while having fun in our swimming pools — children learn best through play, and every splash builds their confidence.
• At Pembrokeshire Leisure, we’re committed to creating a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for every child.
• All our staff follow safeguarding training, promoting respect, kindness, and inclusivity.
• Children are encouraged to listen carefully, follow instructions, and treat others, including Teachers, fellow swimmers and other staff members with respect.
• Positive behaviour is praised and reinforced to build confidence and enjoyment.
• If a child’s behaviour causes safety concerns or excessively disrupts the lesson, the Teacher will manage it calmly and appropriately, this might mean having a chat with the responsible person.
• We ask parents and carers to model respectful behaviour in all areas and to support Teachers by reinforcing positive messages at home.
After the Lesson
• Teachers will return swimmers to the appointed collection point for a safe handover. Please check your chosen Centre for further details.
• Any children 8 years old or over are able to head to the changing rooms unaccompanied. Full details are in our Admission Policy
• Once changed, wrap up warm before heading home, especially on colder days.
• Badges and certificates are readily available at our reception desks for when those special achievements happen.
• Extra time in the pool really makes a difference, so take any opportunity to join us in one of our six pools:
https://pembrokeshireleisure.co.uk/our-products/swimming/
Safety and Extra Tips
• Please make sure your child has been to the toilet and had a quick shower before their lesson.
• Swimmers arriving more than 5 minutes late may not be able to join the lesson.
• If you are a little late to the lesson, the lesson will still end at the scheduled time.
• Outdoor shoes are not permitted on poolside.
• Suitable buoyancy aids (such as arm discs, arm bands or flotation belts) may be used — these should be secure and not easily removed by your child.
• If lessons are ever disrupted by a pool closure, we will contact you as soon as possible and share updates on our Facebook page and the Pembrokeshire Leisure app.
If you have any questions, our friendly teams at each Leisure Centre will be happy to help. We look forward to seeing your child through our Aquatic Pathway.