Swim School FAQs

  • It doesn’t have to take long to learn the basics, but becoming a swimmer is a life skill and takes time and practice. The Stingrays Swim School method is progressive and aims to prevent bad habits.
  • Becoming a “swimmer” depends on many things—your child’s age, willingness to learn, how often they swim, and your goals.
  • We recommend continuing lessons until your child is comfortable in any depth and can swim and breathe over extended distances, then moving into stroke development (pre-competitive) stages.
  • Disabled children are warmly welcomed. Please discuss any individual needs with the Swim School Manager so we can support your child appropriately.
  • It’s normal for some children to feel upset initially—swimming can be a new and daunting environment.
  • Over time, your child will build trust, confidence, and understanding through our supportive teaching approach.
  • Discontinuing lessons may reinforce fearfulness—please trust the process. Enjoyment of swimming usually comes with time and consistency.
  • If your child has flu-like symptoms—fever, vomiting, digestive issues—please do not bring them to the pool.
  • If your child has a long-term illness or injury preventing attendance, email the Swim School Manager.
  • Ensure all relevant medical information is declared on your club registration form via Swim Club Manager.
  • Swimming costume/trunks or jammers—avoid board shorts or baggy clothes, which hinder movement in the water.
  • Well-fitted goggles are essential. Poorly fitting or cheap goggles that fog up disrupt learning and comfort.
  • Towel—please arrive 10 minutes early to allow enough time to change before the lesson starts.
  • Please contact the Swim School Manager to check availability, discuss levels, and book a free trial via email.
  • Yes—parents can view lessons from the spectator gallery.
  • No sorry, there’s pool safety and safeguarding implications involved with having parents poolside. In addition, children’s attention naturally shifts towards the parent and makes teaching the class a lot more difficult for the teacher.
  • At Five Rivers all children should enter the main pool hall from the changing rooms via the entrance/exit by the showers.
  • An exception is made for learner pool children who will naturally be much younger and still need parental support.
  • 30 minutes for White, Red, Green, and Black Rays (beginners to intermediate).
  • 60 minutes for Pre-Competitive classes.
  • Five Rivers Leisure Centre: Sundays between 17:00 and 19:00
  • Godolphin School: Tuesdays and Thursdays between 18:10 and 19:10
  • Five Rivers Leisure Centre:
    • 30 lessons a year
    • Monthly: £26.25 for 30-minute lessons
    • Monthly: £39.38 for 60-minute lessons
  • Godolphin School:
    • 40 lessons a year
    • Monthly: £35.00 for 30-minute lessons
    • Monthly: £52.50 for 60-minute lessons
  • Invoices are issued on the 1st of each month and paid via Direct Debit.
  • The annual fee is divided equally over 12 months.
  • A deposit equal to one month’s fee is charged upon registration.
  • One clear month's notice is required to cancel lessons.