Swim School

Teaching your child to swim encourages an active lifestyle and builds a strong foundation for good health. Swimming enhances strength and flexibility, and it helps keep lungs and hearts healthy. It also promotes self-esteem and confidence, as children progress, make friends and have fun in a new environment.

Bridport Swim School provides swimming lessons for children in Bridport. It runs throughout the year from Mondays to Saturdays (with a 2-week break at Christmas). Lessons are delivered by our team of qualified, expert swim instructors.

We follow the award-winning SWIM ENGLAND National Plan for teaching swimming. This well-structured and progressive scheme is constantly reviewed in line with good practise guidelines and feedback, encouraging continuous learning and a love of swimming. In addition, Bridport Swim School students (under 16) benefit from FREE swimming on weekends and school holidays.

Swim School Stages 1 – 7

The Learn to Swim Framework is is the most widely known nationwide, and is the backbone of swimming lessons for primary school-aged children.  It aims to develop confident and competent swimmers through fun and enjoyment, and Learn to Swim Stages 1-7 are at the heart of the Bridport Swim School.

In small classes of no larger than 10:1, the qualified swim instructors guide children through criteria aimed to improve their confidence and technique, whilst having fun with friends.

Children can join the swim school at any age or stage; our instructors will assess their ability and place them in the stage they are best suited to.

Each of the seven stages of the Learn to Swim Framework has a clear set of targets for the pupil to meet, with various awards given as they progress through the levels.

Swim England further information

Swim School Stage 8 – 10

The Aquatic Skills Framework (Learn to Swim Stages 8-10) are about building sport-specific skills to encourage a focus on aquatic sports.

At these levels, swimmers are encouraged to build sport-specific skills. Competitive swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming, diving and rookie lifeguard training are all available.

Swim England further information

Bridport Swim School offers an easy and affordable payment scheme by monthly direct debit. Swimmers (under 16) also benefit from free swimming at weekends and during school holidays.

All courses run for 50 weeks of the year with a 2-week break over Christmas. Fees are payable by direct debit at £30 per month.

For all Bridport Swim School enquiries please fill in the form below and our membership team will contact you. Alternatively please contact reception on 01308 427464.

Private swimming lessons

If you’re looking for private swimming lessons in Bridport, the leisure centre has fully qualified instructors who can help children with all aspects of swimming, from learning the basics to improving technique.

We offer one-to-one and two-to-one lessons, for those who want to come with a friend.  Book on an individual basis or as a block. Contact reception or call 01308 427464 for more information.

Private swimming lesson prices (30 minutes)

1:1 private lesson                                       £17.50

1:1 private lesson (block of 5)                 £87.50

2:1 private lesson                                       £27

2:1 private lesson (block of 5)                 £135

Learning to swim

Swimming is an essential life-saving skill. Drowning remains one of the most common causes of accidental death for children in the UK – teaching them to swim could one day save their life.

Children can start to learn to swim from an early age.  If you’re thinking of teaching your child to swim but don’t know where to start, here are some tips for making the transition to the pool go smoothly:

• Make bath time fun, so they associate water with having a good time. Sing songs, play games, splash around.
• Let them pick their new swimming costume or try on a new swim nappy in the bath, so they get used to the feeling. Fewer issues around clothes = more relaxed swimmers.
• Familiarise them with the pool before they start lessons, either with a family splash about or just taking a look around. New sounds and smells can sometimes be overwhelming.
• Introduce them to our swim teachers before their first lesson. You can usually do this when you sign up for Bridport swim school.
• Give them plenty of time to get changed beforehand – being in a rush makes everyone flustered. Meeting other children in the changing rooms before a lesson can also help them make new friends.
• Make sure they’re not hungry or thirsty before the lesson as this can be distracting. And have a snack ready for afterwards as they’re guaranteed to use plenty of energy.