Parents' Guide to School Swimming at Active Blackpool
Learning to swim is one of the most important life skills a child can develop, helping them stay safe, active and confident in and around water. As part of the National Curriculum, all primary school children take part in swimming and water safety lessons, giving them the opportunity to build skills that can last a lifetime.
At Active Blackpool, we know that starting swimming lessons can be an exciting milestone for both children and parents. That’s why our experienced and supportive swimming teachers create a safe, welcoming environment where every child can learn, grow in confidence and enjoy their time in the water. Whether they’re taking their first strokes or developing existing skills, we’ll encourage and support them every step of the way.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know to help you prepare for your child’s school swimming lessons.
Inclusive Swimwear Guide
We want to support your child’s needs and encourage participation and involvement in swimming.
To allow this we require swimwear to fit appropriately and not be too baggy or lose fitting.
This means girls need to wear a 1 piece swimsuit, and boys wearing lycra shorts or trunks.
For some swimmers the standard options may not suit their needs and preferences.
This may be due to a range of factors such as cultural or religious observations, impairments or hygiene needs.
Please speak to a member of school staff if further guidance is required.
What else to pack in a swim bag….
Towel
The towel needs to be big enough to cover your child, but manageable for them to carry to and from school.
Swimming cap
If your child has hair, that when wet reaches their eyes this is a compulsory part of the swimming kit. This is to ensure that hair is not distracting to them when they are swimming, it keeps hair safely away from eyes and mouths, and keeps hair drier.
Goggles
If your child wishes to wear goggles a consent from must be complete with their school. We will not provide ‘spare’ goggles at the pool if your child forgets to bring them.
Jewellery
Our school swimming follows the guidelines set out in your schools PE policy.
Jewellery, except for medical alert bands are not permitted during school swimming lessons. This is to help protect the safety of all children and staff members.
Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, waterproof watches, rings all need to be removed before the lesson.
If children are not capable of removing their jewellery, they should not wear it to school on swimming days.
In exceptional cases it may be necessary for schools to have an agreement on jewellery worn for religious reasons.
If this applies to your child, please speak to member of school staff before their first lesson.
Your role is vital…..
As a parent, guardian or carer, you play an important part in your child’s swimming journey. Your encouragement and support can help them build confidence in the water while developing vital swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills that will stay with them for life.
There are lots of ways you can help your child:
Talk to them about water safety and use bath times to get them used to having water in their face.
Make sure they have everything they need for school swimming. If you need support with this then please speak to the school as soon as possible.
Keep your child’s school informed and up to date with their medical conditions.
If your child already attends swimming lessons, don’t give up on them! Regular lessons progress way past the minimum national curriculum requirements so they can continue to improve their skills and stay active.