You may not need to be able to swim depending on the type of pool you are in and if you are confident in water.

If you are confident in the water, happy with putting your feet on the floor, gaining your balance and playing with children in shallow water then it is not requirement to be able to swim.

You certainly do not need to be able to swim the traditional swimming strokes to be able to take your child swimming.

The swimming teacher does need to be aware of what your ability is in shallow water and be confident that you are able to adequately support your child. Please mention any concerns you may have to us before you enrol - but remember you are doing the right thing in teaching your child to swim.

Taking your baby swimming is an excellent activity to help you bond with them when they are very young, but some adults may feel scared of the water and/or the general swimming pool environment.

Whatever your concern is with regard to taking your child swimming, please do discuss it with your swimming teachers or swimming co-ordinator at your Be well centre .

Remember that many family holidays are orientated around the water, whether it be swimming pools, the sea or inland lakes, and taking your child to swimming lessons is an ideal opportunity to get in the pool yourself and start a new hobby with your child.

Be well are accommodate different cultural, equality or additional needs. Whatever your concern or need, they should be able to provide advice and support to help you access their swimming facilities with your child.

Many children with additional needs and disabilities cope perfectly well with standard swimming lessons and swimming teachers are provided with support and training to help them with this.

It is vital that parents and carers discuss the needs of their child with swimming lesson providers prior to starting swimming lessons. If the child has any need that will impact on their physical ability to swim or their ability  to join a lessons please please talk to the swimming co ordiator at your centre .

Teachers and swimming coordinators can then adapt the lessons to suit your child’s needs. Making them aware in advance means that they will be able to understand and support your child as much as possible so honesty is the best policy. At Be Well swim well we offer SEN swimming lessons for children with additional needs .

If your child struggles with group situations or lacks confidence in the water, do discuss this with the pool as they will have strategies that can help to ensure your child’s swimming journey gets off to the best possible start.

Many swimming nappies have a double layer or you can buy swimming nappies online or at your supermarket  so do not worry or feel embarrassed. It is perfectly normal for children who are not fully toilet trained to need to use nappies when they go swimming.

If your child is toilet trained, do not hesitate to leave the class if your child needs the toilet. Your teacher will be very experienced in dealing with children of this age and will not be concerned.

It is easier to introduce young children to water at an early age when they can be fully supported and enjoy close skin to skin contact with their parent or carer. However, sometimes older children will refuse to get in.

Get your child ready for swimming as normal and encourage them to move to a safe position on poolside.

Then follow the instructions of the swimming teacher. It is important that you stay calm and be patient. Remember that any opportunity to go swimming as a family in addition to attending swimming lessons will be a big help.

Many children go through a phase where they may be clingy or nervous prior to activities in groups. This is very normal.

Parents are encouraged to try and keep to routines, stay calm and be reassuring and do not force the child to do anything they don’t want to do.

The important thing is to nurture your child back into the water and support them as best as you can until they have overcome this phase.

Close contact and lots of reassurance are needed to help overcome any fears.

Your swimming teacher will be able to offer you advice too. Lots of practice in the pool during family sessions and in the bath at home should help.