Class Information​

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If you are thinking about bringing your little one to classes, here are a few things that may be useful to know before booking your Free Trial:

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1. Most Splash Academy Classes require a parent/adult in the water. Once little ones are around 3 years old we will advise you if this will be different for the class you are booking.

 

2. Adults attending in class do not need to be able to swim. They should be confident entering the water and walking safely around in water but no other swimming skills are required. Venues are of a standing depth for lessons and this depth is noted on the venue page for you in case you want to check this.

 

3. Whilst we can only permit one adult per little one to join in the lesson, this can be a different person to normal if another parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle etc is free and would like to share this time with them, and all our venues have spectators permitted!

 

4. Adults entering the water do not need swim hats or goggles, just swimwear, and then a towel for after, and all little ones (ages 3yrs under/those not potty trained) entering the water must be wearing the correct nappy system. For more details on this, please see below.

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5. New starters in our Dippers Classes must be at least 12 weeks old/12lbs in weight before beginning lessons at our current venues.

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6. Classes are all a half hour long and the teacher will be in the water during the lesson.

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Swimwear - Babies/Toddlers

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The Double Nappy System​

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All Babies and Children up to the age of 3, or those who are not fully potty trained, must be wearing the Double Nappy System. They must wear a disposable, or a reusable swimming nappy and over the top of this, they must wear what is called a Happy Nappy. It is a reusable, neoprene pair of shorts which does all the hard work, and saves many accidents from escaping into the pool! It must be well fitted, and your instructor will check it before entering the pool. Children can wear swimsuits, tops/shorts over it, but they must be wearing the double nappy system underneath.

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We hold a small kit of items to borrow for anyone who is attending a taster lesson, or for your first class if you don’t yet have one, or in case you arrive at the pool one week and it no longer fits, or isn’t in your swimming bag! If you book onto lessons then you will need to purchase items for your little one to use each week. There are good deals to be found if they are purchased alongside a wetsuit. They can also be purchased second hand if you wish as long as it is still a good fit.

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Wetsuits

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All little ones are very different with how they feel in the water,  some babies love 30 degree pools, and some toddlers struggle in 32-34 degree pools! We recommend that all swimmers under the age of 6 months wear one when starting, and all swimmers under 12 months in cooler pools, as a good neoprene wetsuit can add a feeling of 2 degrees more to the pool.  

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There are now a range of suits that have the Happy Nappy inside (with arms on to keep them extra snuggly) and these are a great way to reduce the number of items you have to bring! A reusable swimming nappy can be worn, or disposable, underneath and the arms of the suit helps to keep the water out and keep them warm. There are also a range of items with long arms and long legs, which are fleece lined, for those who are younger beginning lessons, or who may just feel the cold a little more!

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Please just check that whatever your little one is wearing does not restrict your little ones movement. Your instructor will check sizes from time to time to ensure little ones are comfortable and secure!

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Feeding - Babies/Toddlers

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Babies – Milk Only

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Please do not hesitate to feed your little one right up to 10/15mins approx before the class starts. It is always tricky getting the sleep, food combination before the first class, but please don’t worry if you’ve fed them a little closer to class than normal. As long as they are not taking solid food, there is no worry!

 

Babies and Toddlers – Solid Food

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Please make sure all little ones who take food as well as milk, have no solid food an hour before clas to avoid any accidents in the pool.

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Arrival 

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Please try not to arrive at the changing rooms more than 10-15 minutes before your class time to enable previous classes to clear the venue. Changing after classes is limited to 15minutes, however some venues have space to feed after class, please check the venue information on the pool you are attending. 

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A member of the office team will be there to meet you and show you where to go on the first week of term, but if you are joining mid term, please do not worry as each venue page has directions to follow, and we also operate a text service during arrival and classes for you to check in with any questions you may have.

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We do also ask that car seats are not brought onto poolside or changing rooms, as these can be a trip hazard for swimmers, and spectators. 

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Finally - a few handy tips!

 

- If possible, wear shoes that are easy to remove as you will have to take them off before entering poolside or entry to the changing rooms. Please be prepared that pool air temperatures are warm and any spectators in full clothing may get hot.. layers are key!

- Take a hat for your little one for after lessons to keep them cosy.

- Don't be tempted to pop your little one in their swimwear/swim nappy before you get to the pool - if your swimming nappy is dirty it won't do its job in the pool, and you may need a spare one/ to complete an extra change before you even get to class!

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For any other questions please don't hesitate to contact the office, and we will be happy to help. We hope you have a great first class!

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