Frequently asked questions!

My child is ill, can they still come swimming?

If your child is suffering from diarrhea and/or sickness, please do not attend your lesson. We would advise waiting at least 48 hours after the symptoms have ceased before attending another class. For other illnesses (coughs/colds/rashes etc.) please contact the office directly. Fun Flippers may only offer guidance regarding illnesses, not trained medical advice, so if you are in any doubt, please contact a healthcare professional or your own GP.

Will I need to submerge my Baby?

We can understand that you may be apprehensive about submerging your child during the lessons, it can be a worry for many parents and I hope that the below may help.

We are here as swimming instructors to help guide you through the steps to ensure that babies first submersion is as relaxed and enjoyable for you all.

Babies are amazing in the water, and they have many reflexes which assist them – especially when they are submerged.  The main reflex being their “gag reflex (laryngospasm)” – when water goes into a baby’s mouth, the gag reflex causes an involuntary spasm of the glottis and epiglottis, preventing water from entering the trachea.  This watertight seal prevents inhalation of the water into the babies lungs.  They also have an “amphibian” reflex – where babies arms and legs move in spurts that can propel them through the water unaided – almost looking as though the baby is swimming underwater.

It is an amazing experience being in the water with your baby and helping them develop invaluable life skills.  We do include submersion within most lesson content each week – so it is entirely up to yourselves who would like to be the “first” to submerge. The best thing that you can do as the parent submerging, is to be as relaxed as possible, ensure that your hold is supportive, but not tight and to bring baby to the surface without any sudden movement or panic – as these could convey anxiety to Baby.  Lots of praise and cuddles after submerging is encouraged, as we want to convey that going underwater is normal.​​

What should my child wear in the pool?

For babies and toddlers until the age of 3, regardless of whether they are potty trained or not, we do require double protection in the form of a swim nappy underneath an aqua nappy. For older children, we would suggest whatever they feel comfortable in.

My child isn’t as advanced as the others in their class

All children progress at totally different rates, so this isn’t something that should concern you too much – if our teacher feels an alternative class may be more suitable, they will suggest this.

Does my child need goggles?

Goggles are not a requirement for lessons. If your child feels happier using them, it is fine to bring them to the classes, although we do ask that they fit correctly to avoid being adjusted too much in the middle of the lessons!

Is parking available at the pool?

There is ample free parking at both Waverley Abbey school from 3pm onwards and at Undershaw school from 4:30pm onwards Monday – Thursday, 3:30pm onwards on Fridays and all day on the weekends. Alternatively, there is plenty of free side road parking available near the school for example at heather way car park or on tower road.