Swimming Lessons in Hampshire - Which Class Is Right for You?

SwimFish teaches swimmers at every stage – from babies taking their first dip to adults who have never swum a length, and everyone in between. All lessons take place in our pool on the A30 near Basingstoke, in small classes, with two dedicated fully qualified instructors. This page covers everything you need to decide which class suits you, understand how scheduling works, find out about pricing, and take the next step.

Which Class Should You Join? A Quick Guide

Not sure where your child fits, or which adult option is right for you? Use this as a starting point.

My baby or toddler has never had lessons (birth – 4 years)

Start with Baby & Parent Swimming. You get in the water together – Tanya guides you through every activity while your baby discovers the pool through play, song, and gentle movement. No swimming experience required.

My child is school age – beginner or intermediate (approx. 4 – 14 years)

Children’s lessons are grouped by ability, not by age – a nervous beginner and an intermediate swimmer will be in different groups even if they are the same age. When you enquire, we ask about your child’s current confidence in the water and place them correctly from the start. No minimum ability required. Classes run Monday to Thursday from 3.45pm and Saturday mornings during term time.

My child is 11 – 16 and needs to develop their swimming

Tween & Teen lessons are for older swimmers who have outgrown children’s classes but are not yet ready for adult sessions. We work on stroke technique, stamina, and growing confidence as an independent swimmer – at the right pace for them, without badge pressure or assessment anxiety.

My teenager is a strong swimmer and wants a real challenge (11+)

The Rookie Lifeguard Programme is for confident swimmers aged 11 and over with 50 metres of strong continuous front crawl. The RLSS UK programme works through Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, covering towing, floating, swimming in

clothes, surface and poolside rescues, treading water, and poolside theory. Not yet at 50m? Our tween and teen lessons are the right preparation – we will tell you honestly when they are ready to step up.

I am an adult – complete beginner or wanting to improve my technique

Adult lessons are arranged around your specific goals. Complete beginners are very welcome – we start exactly where you are, with no judgement and no strangers watching. More experienced swimmers can work on stroke efficiency, breathing rhythm, and stamina. Sessions can be one-to-one or small group. There is no fixed timetable; we find a mutual time that suits you.

I want one-to-one attention – for my child or for me

Private lessons are the fastest route to progress and the right choice for swimmers who are anxious in groups, want to accelerate, or simply thrive with undivided attention. Available for all ages, including adults who prefer to learn away from any group setting. Mornings, evenings and weekends can often be accommodated — private spaces fill quickly so we recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later.

Lesson Schedules at a Glance

All group lessons run during term time. Private lessons can sometimes be arranged outside of term time – please ask. See our full term dates and timetable page for exact session times and current term information.

• Baby & Toddler: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9am – Saturday from 8am (term time only)
• Children’s Lessons: Monday to Thursday from 3.45pm – Saturday mornings (term time only)
• Tween & Teen / Rookie Lifeguard: Contact us for current availability
• Adult Lessons: Flexible – arranged directly to suit you, including mornings, evenings and weekends
• Private Lessons (all ages): Flexible – arranged directly with Tanya or Kirstie

Lesson Pricing

• Baby & Toddler group lessons:
• Children’s group lessons:
• Tween & Teen group lessons:
• Rookie Lifeguard Programme:
• Adult lessons:
• Private one-to-one (any age):

Lessons are paid. We will always confirm pricing clearly before you commit to anything. If you have any questions about cost, just ask – there is no obligation.

How Joining SwimFish Works

We do not have an online booking system. Every new swimmer joins through a short conversation with Tanya or Kirstie first – by phone or via our enquiry form. This lets us place your child correctly from day one, or build an adult programme around the right goals. It takes a few minutes and makes a meaningful difference to how well the first lesson goes.

• Get in touch – enquiry form or call Tanya or Kirstie directly. Tell us where your child (or you) is at and what you want to achieve.
• We get back to you within 24 hours – confirm the right class, check availability, answer questions.
• Confirm your place – we send you everything you need to know before your first session.
• Turn up and enjoy it – free parking on site, warm pool, calm environment. Everything else is our job.

Is there a waiting list? There can be, particularly for baby and toddler classes and for private lessons. We will always be honest about availability and give you a realistic timeline. Getting in touch sooner is always advisable.

Common Questions About Our Lessons

Do you use badge or certificate schemes? No – and this is a deliberate choice we feel strongly about. We teach all four strokes to a high technical standard, including tumble turns. Progress is noticed and shared with parents regularly. The swimming itself is the reward, not a badge at the end of term.

What happens if we miss a lesson? Please let us know as early as possible. We will always try to find a practical solution – a catch-up or carrying the session forward. Our full missed lesson policy is explained when you join.

Can my child move between programmes as they progress? Yes – and they often do. Children move naturally from baby classes into children’s lessons, then into tween and teen, and from there into Rookie Lifeguard or adult sessions. We will tell you when your child is ready to move. It is always handled smoothly, and your child will almost always know the moment has arrived before you do.

Do parents need to be in the water? For baby and toddler classes, yes – parents and carers are in the water throughout. You do not need to be a confident swimmer; you will be in shallow water and Tanya will guide everything.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Get in touch and we will get back to you within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation – just a conversation about what you are looking for and whether SwimFish is the right fit.