Welcome to SwimStars @ Mespil Swimming Pool!
4 – 12 Months |
12 – 24 Months |
24 – 36 Months |
Teach Your Toddler 3-4yrs |
| Mondays | Saturdays | Saturdays | Saturdays |
| 10:30am | Sundays | Sundays | Sundays |
| 10:30am | 11am | 11:30 and 12pm | |
6 Week Courses with SwimStars
Parent and baby swimming lessons are designed to introduce young children, typically from a few months old up to about 4 years, to the water in a safe and enjoyable environment. These classes focus on building comfort and confidence for both the parent and the baby while being in the water together. Here are some key elements of these lessons:
- Focus on Bonding and Fun: The lessons emphasize bonding between the parent and child through playful activities. Songs, gentle games, and water toys are often used to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Introduction to Water: Babies are gradually introduced to the sensation of being in the water, helping them get used to the feel of it on their skin and to being partially submerged. Activities are designed to be gentle and supportive, fostering a positive association with the water.
- Building Water Confidence: The lessons often include simple exercises like floating, kicking, and gentle splashing. These exercises aim to develop the baby’s water confidence and motor skills in a low-pressure setting.
- Safety Skills for Parents: Instructors guide parents on how to hold and support their babies safely in the water. Parents learn essential safety techniques, such as how to help their child float and get comfortable with basic movements in the water.
- Social Interaction: The group setting allows babies and parents to interact with others, making it a social experience for both. This can be a great way for parents to connect with other families while babies get used to being around their peers.
- Preparation for Independent Swimming: While babies are not learning to swim independently at this stage, these lessons lay the foundation for future swimming skills by helping them become familiar with the water.
Parent and baby swimming lessons are led by certified instructors, who ensure that both the parent and baby are comfortable and safe throughout each session. The goal is to make water a fun and stress-free experience, building a love for swimming that can continue as the child grows.
BABY & TODDLER SWIMMING TIPS 
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS & TINY TOTS!
- 1. Arrive early
Arrive in plenty of time so baby is not being rushed into the pool and everything remains calm and relaxed. - 2. Bring a towel on to the poolside so that you can wrap your baby in it when the lesson is finished
The pool area is very warm so there will be a change of temperature when entering the changing rooms. - 3. No eating or drinking on the pool side
For health & safety reasons, there is no food or drink allowed on the pool side, with the exception of water in a plastic container / bottle. - 4. Only enter the pool once your lesson is about to begin. Please do not enter the pool or sit on the poolside until the start of your class as a matter of courtesy to the previous class.
- 5. Talk to your teacher. If you have any concerns or questions, you can talk to your teacher and she will be happy to help you.
- 6. Participation. Please participate in the class following the teachers instructions. If your child needs a time out for any reason, you are more than welcome to sit on the steps until they are ready to re-join the group.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What equipment do I need to bring with me?
You will need a swim nappy for baby, which should be covered with a snug fitting pants or swim costume. You might also like to bring a changing mat. .
Do I need a wetsuit for my baby?
The pool temperature is lovely and warm but some babies feel the cold more so than others. You can buy your own wetsuit from us or another supplier or you can borrow one that we have on hand.
Does my baby need all of their immunisations first?
According to the HSE guidelines, it is perfectly safe for babies to start swimming from birth before having their immunisations. The diseases babies are vaccinated against are not carried in water. Babies can be taken swimming at any time regardless of where they are with their immunisation schedule.
Can both parents take part in the class?
Both parents can come along for the class but only one adult gets in the water with the child. Family members are welcome to view the class at the side of the pool.