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    2025 AUT Term

    13/09-13/12 2025

    1:1 and Semi-Private Lessons

4 Questions About 3-Year-Olds Swim Lessons

Four FAQs About Swim Lessons for 3-Year-Olds

At around the age of three years old, many parents start thinking about getting their children start learning to swim on their own. While some children are natural swimmers and have the love for the water, some three-year-olds could be unsure about being in water.

Parents could also wonder if it’s the right time to begin formal swim lessons and what options are available for children of this age. To help you make the best decision for your child, we’ve answered some of the most common questions parents ask about swim lessons for 3-year-olds.

A 3 year old is doing a swimming lessons at Blue Wave Swim School

1) My child is 3 years old. Can we book swim lessons, and do I need to be in the water with my child?

If your child is just turned 3 years old, you have two options:

  • Parent & Toddler Lessons – In these sessions, a parent or guardian joins the child in the water. This approach helps young swimmers feel secure while gaining confidence, learning basic water safety, and practicing early swimming skills. It’s a gentle and fun way to get your child used to structured lessons while keeping you close by.

  • Pre-schoolers Swim Lessons (without parents in the water) – For children ready to take a little step of independence, we also offer pre-school beginners lessons; private or 1:2 (semi-private) lessons. These are designed for children who can follow simple instructions and are comfortable being with a swim teacher in the water. Parents stay and can observe the lessons from the poolside, while swim instructors teach the pre-schoolers lessons that focus on building water confidence, and basic skills like floating on front and back, kicking, and blowing bubbles.

Both type of lessons could be suitable for 3-year-olds, depending on your child’s confidence, experience, and personality. Some children thrive with the extra security of a parent in the water, while others are eager to jump straight into independent learning.

2) What happens once my child is above 3.5 years old?

For children aged 3.5 years and older, we currently provide private or semi-private swim lessons. This means your child will either:

  • Have one-to-one (1:1) instruction with a swim teacher in water with your child, or

  • Share a lesson with one other child of a similar level in a semi-private format.

We do not offer large group classes for this age group, as younger children benefit more from close attention and tailored teaching. Currently, all of our private and semi-private lessons run on Saturdays, making it easy for families to fit swimming into their weekend schedules.

3) Can we book a trial lesson?

Absolutely. We understand that every child is different, and it’s important to find the right learning environment for them. That’s why we could offer trial lessons for families considering private lessons (subject to our avalibility).

  • Cost: £60 per 30-minute private lesson

  • Purpose: A chance to check our teachings, lesson format and see how your child responds to the lesson, and decide whether private or semi-private lessons are the best long-term option.

This trial session helps take away any uncertainty, giving both parents and children confidence before committing to a block of lessons.

4) Where do the lessons for 3-year-olds take place?

Our swim school runs lessons at purpose-built swimming pool, that is a 25-meter indoor heated pool. It has warm water, safe facilities, and family-friendly environments.

Final Thoughts About Swimming for 3-year-olds

At three years old, your child is at a good age to begin learning water confidence and early swimming skills. Whether you choose a parent-and-toddler class or a more independent starter lesson, our goal is to make the experience fun, safe, and progressive. From age 3.5 onwards, our private and semi-private lessons ensure children continue developing at their own pace with individual support.

If you’re ready to start your child’s swimming journey, we’d love to welcome you to one of our swim school. Please get in touch.

 


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