Baby & Pre-School Lessons The "First Splash". It’s never too early for your baby to learn to swim. Early lessons lay the foundations for lifelong enjoyment of the water. In a shallow, secluded pool, an ASA qualified teacher will guide you in how to confidently handle your child through their first stages in the water, using song and constructive play. It's easy to learn when you are having fun and that’s what these lessons are based upon When your child is old enough, they can progress to toddler lessons. Continuing in the small pool, in lessons of no more than 6, a qualified teacher will help your child with the first steps of learning to swim on their own.

If you just want to come for a splash, see the timetable for the small pool Toddler Lessons (from 2 years 9months – school age) Classes run for half an hour between these times

Baby Swimming Boom at Shirley Swimming Pool

It is the moment every mothers heart misses a beat. The baby goes under the water for the first time – and comes up smiling!

In the hands of a professional teacher introducing a baby to water during a lesson is a momentous time for parents and now a pool in Southampton has been recognized as a leader in field of baby Tuition.

Tucked away in Shirley, the Kentish Road Pool has been introducing babies and toddlers to water for over thirty years and has introduced a scheme to help young parents over come their fear of water.

Huggies Baby Friendly Pools has given their stamp of approval to the pool for its extensive teaching programme and conscientious approach to health and safety.

“ It is crucial that children start as young as possible in an environment that is warm and safe”, says ASA Teacher Deborah Quinn – Scoggins, “ Everyday you hear of toddlers falling into ponds or streams and drownings are so avoidable if children start young. It is all too easy to pass on your own fear of water”

The thirty minute lessons aim to teach the parents how to handle babies and introduce them to the pleasures of the water. Through nursery rhyme and play confidence is built until toddlers are able to attend lessons without a parent at two and a half years.

In a new initiative to launch an extensive range of baby and toddler classes, Shirley Pool offers parent & baby lessons free of charge to any child aged four months to three years. The free trial gives parents the opportunity to get into a pool and make sure the babies enjoy the lessons before they commit to paying for lessons.

Classes take place every morning during the week all year round. Pool manager Chris White ” The time of year that you start does not really matter – it is always hot in our baby pool even at Christmas ! It is 96 degrees all year ”

Parents are asked to call reception at the Shirley Pool on 02380 781901 for details of times.

More details of the Huggies baby swimming programme can be found at www.littleswimmers.co.uk

Baby immunization www.immunisation.org.uk

Water babies at Shirley Pool. Click here for the Photos

www.waterbaby.co.uk

Click here for booking details