Starting with a new swim school or your very first lessons can feel challenging for both children and adults whether your in the pool with your children swimming yourself or just watching.

At PoolSchools, we understand that the first few weeks are all about getting comfortable, building confidence, and learning a new routine. In this blog, we share some helpful tips for beginners to make your transition into the water as smooth as possible.

Settling into a New Routine

It is perfectly normal for beginners to take four or five weeks to settle into their classes. During this time, both children and adults gradually adjust to the new environment. The key is to allow yourself to adapt to the routine, become familiar with your instructors and get comfortable with the surroundings. This period of adjustment is essential before you begin to relax and truly start to learn. Just remember your first days of School the Excitement, lots of new things, then can become.

It can be even trickery in Autumn term as children go to school and join lots of new clubs, swimming included.

Parents can help by keeping to the routine arriving on time and encouraging the swimmers.

Embracing New Challenges

Every stage in your aquatic journey brings a host of challenges. Whether it is a new teacher, adapting to a fresh routines, or moving up a level with new skills , change is part of the process.

It will be harder if the Swimmers are moving schools , when they have to be assessed and introduced to a new swim scheme .  The assessment is essential to ensure we place a swimmer at the correct level. This may involve swimming in a class over a shorter distance while the swimmer improves a specific technique.

This approach ensures that everyone has the opportunity to progress at their own pace.

At PoolSchools, our friendly teachers are dedicated to guiding you through these challenges and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Parents can help by recognizing progress and encouragement from the pool side.

The Role of Encouragement for Parents

Parents play a crucial role in making the transition easier for young swimmers. Think back to when you first learned to swim and recall the support you received. It is important for parents to be encouraging and patient during these early weeks. Your positive reinforcement can make all the difference in boosting your child’s confidence. Remember, every bit of progress matters, and your understanding can help them overcome any initial hurdles.

What parents can do: Watch the swimmer Smile give them the Lumbs up OK , and if they are STAR of the Week get a photo in the frame and celebrate the achievement.

Progression with Aqua Quacks and PoolSchools

PoolSchools concentrate on Technique over distance.

The better the technique is eventually the greater the distance a swimmer will travel. Don’t Comparison between children is difficult compare your swimmer to others as it is the skills they are learning that are important not what others are doing.

It is often difficult for parents to see a swimmers technical development from the pool. Please ask the email in for an update view of the Parent portal or ask the supervisor .  You can speak to your teacher but please not during a lesson.

Remember what the class levels are about.

DUCKS to get rid of parents from the pool and build a young child’s confidence.

F classes build confidence and basic skills eventually in F4 deep water

P 1-5 provides all the skills for swimming.

(Technically a swimmer should complete levels up to P5when they will have covered all KEY skills and technique of all 4 major strokes) Swimmers leaving in P3 or P4 will not have all relevant skills although they can travel about 25 m further progress will be restricted.

How can parents help. Encourage children to attend as many lessons as possible; practice a little when you swim as a family ,

Overcoming Adult Anxiety

Many adults face long-standing anxiety when it comes to starting something new in the water.

IN many cases adults will have to UNLEARN action they use to travel in the water before we can teacher them the key skills for them to SWIM

It is completely normal to feel nervous about trying a new activity. The secret is to take it one step at a time. At PoolSchools, we recognize that adult learners may need a little extra encouragement to overcome long-standing issues. With each lesson, as you gain more experience, practice and become more accustomed to the environment, you will notice your confidence grows and your anxiety lessen.

The Importance of Practice

While every minute spent in the pool is beneficial, it is also essential to practice regularly outside of your formal lessons. Whether you are a child or an adult, extra practice can help reinforce the skills you learn in class. Even small amounts of additional practice can make a significant difference in your overall progress and comfort level in the water.

For many skills you don’t even need to be in a pool.   Ask you teacher for Homework.

Join the PoolSchools Community

At PoolSchools, our experienced and friendly teachers work hard to ensure that every swimmer feels welcome and supported. Our aim is to help you integrate fully into your class over three, four or five weeks, building confidence and enjoying every moment in the pool. We encourage you to take your time, embrace the new challenges and enjoy the journey towards becoming a confident swimmer.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit PoolSchools today and join our welcoming community. Start your swimming journey with us and experience a supportive environment that will help you overcome your fears and unlock your full potential in the water.