Below are some questions that might help you know what to expect from a swimming lesson with us or why choosing us.
Is there parking near the College Pool?
Parking is limited within the College grounds. Please allow time to park and walk to the pool building. Please park within the marked bays and do not block any safety access points.
Alternative car park can be found at on Maze Green Road, Northgate End Car Park or the Rugby Club. Thank you for your cooperation.
What do I need to bring to the lesson?
For swimmers:
- Swimming costume or tight fitting trunks
- Towel
- No jewellery
- No armbands, floatation jackets or similar. We provide alternative floatation devices.
- Correctly fitted goggles (not compulsory)
- Swimming hat (for children with long hair)
- If baby or toddler not toilet trained, make sure they are wearing an aqua nappy.
For adults going with their child: Bring the same items, you will not need goggles or hat, unless you want to use them.
For Adult and Child sessions, do parents need to be able to swim?
There should be ONE adult per child in the water. The adult in the water does not need to be able to swim as the water is shallow enough to stand up in and we can provide buoyancy aids for floating exercises. It is important that the parent in the water is not fearful or anxious in water as they can transmit these fears to the baby.
Parents can alternate who goes in the water with the child on a weekly basis.
Can my child swim if they are poorly?
If your child is feeling sickly, unwell or has an upset stomach it is not advised they attend lessons. If your child has suffered an upset stomach, please allow 48 HOURS CLEAR before returning to lessons. Please do not put others at risk of infection by returning early.
Can I take photographs/videos of lessons to share with my friends and family?
Under no circumstances are cameras or video equipment to be used on the premises without express permission from the management.
Can swimming children be left unattended?
No, parents or guardians of preschool swimming pupils are required to stay on the premises at all times.
The Bishops Stortford College Pool has a large viewing area ideal for watching your little ones progress in their lessons.
Do you have a waiting list for swimming lessons next term?
Our lessons can be popular and we try our best to support all requests for spaces whilst keeping our class sizes small. This is to ensure the high quality learning environment.
Children attending adult and child lessons will be given priority for preschool (unaccompanied) and stage 1 and 2 places.
Use our “Contact Us” page to register your interest.
How should I prepare my child for a lesson?
It is great to talk to your children about swimming and how important it is to learn to swim and how they will use the new skill.
Tell them there will be a teacher, toys and activities they will join and how much fun they will have learning new skills.
Please arrive at the venue approximately 10-15 minutes before the class is due to start to give you time to find your bearings and get changed. Children should not swim on a full stomach: please any substantial meals should be done at least one hour before the session.
If your child is feeling sickly, unwell or has an upset stomach it is advised that they do not attend lessons.
What qualification does my child’s swimming instructor hold?
All instructors are Swim England qualified along with supporting CPD training.
Some of our instructors come from a competitive swimming background and have themselves competed and love the sport.
When are classes held?
Happy Swimming runs classes mostly during school term time. Depending on pool availability sometimes the lessons need to be moved to during half term. We do not hold lessons over the summer holidays.
To check exact details for the current term, please visit: https://happyswimming.co.uk/posts/timetable-and-fees/