Frequently Asked Questions
We have an excellent team of experienced instructors at The Otter Swim School. All teachers are DBS checked, first aid trained and qualified toSwim England and STA standard Levels 1 and 2, in teaching swimming.
- Beginner groups have a maximum of 6 with Teacher and Assistant in the pool
- Improver groups have an average of 6 (maximum 8) with the Teacher on poolside and an assistant in the water
- All other classes are an average of 6 (maximum 8) with the Teacher on poolside
Please see the Swimming Lessons page on our website
- Beginner groups have the teacher and an assistant in the water
- Improver groups have the Teacher on poolside with an assistant in the water
- All other groups have the teacher on poolside
If you haven't swum with us before please call on 01799 542596. Once you are booked on a course we will send you confirmation of your booking and then you can pay by BACs (we also accept Cheques or Cash payments). Payments are made a term in advance.
If you are a swimmer with us already you will be sent a re-enrolment confirmation before the new term and as an existing customer an early-bird discount of £5 is available for prompt payments. Should you need to change group, time or day you can complete a form to request this.
If you are a swimmer with us already you will be sent a re-enrolment confirmation before the new term and as an existing customer an early-bird discount of £5 is available for prompt payments. Should you need to change group, time or day you can complete a form to request this.
Should you need to change group, time or day you will need to contact the office either by phone or email to discuss this.
Please check with The Otter Swim School Office for the most up-to-date costs. Lessons are payable in full at enrolment before each course begins. If a child joins mid-way through a course they will pay for the remainder of the course.
Our lessons run in blocks of 10 weeks. The swim school closes for August, Easter and Christmas. You will be notified of the dates for your child’s lessons at the beginning of each course.
It is not wise to bring your child swimming with anything more than a very mild cold. If you have any concerns regarding your child's health, please seek medical advice from the doctor before continuing swimming.
Anyone who has had a bout of diarrhoea should not swim for at least 48 hours.
Sorry we do not offer catch up lessons.
We only offer complete courses, holidays and missed lessons cannot be taken into consideration.
In the event of a pool closure we will always endeavor to contact you promptly by email. We will also post information regarding closures on both this website and our facebook page. Any lessons missed due to pool closure will be added to the end of that course of lessons.
In accordance with our child protection policy photographing or videoing is not allowed at The Otter Swim School
The Otter Swim School has all the equipment necessary for your child’s lesson. If the teacher feels that your child needs extra swimming aids they will supply them for you.
There are changing facilities at all of our sites. Children are the responsibility of their parent or guardian whilst in the changing room, both before and after the lesson. Parents are required to remain on site for the duration of their child’s lesson.
A Swimming costume and towel. A drink and snack for afterwards is advised.
Whilst we appreciate some children may be a little scared at first, we do encourage water confidence, which includes putting their face in. If your child is particularly nervous of this, we will work with you and your child to help overcome this
Goggles may be worn once children have passed their 10m award.
All our teachers are very experienced in dealing with nervous children, if your child is particularly nervous they will work with you and your child to overcome this. Always remember to be positive with your child about their swimming.
We never like to say as every child will learn at their own pace. Factors such as their confidence, age, co-ordination, listening and learning skills and ability all determine how quickly they will learn. Parents can help by getting their child used to the water - even practising blowing bubbles in the bath is a great help! Using a watering can or bucket to shower them in the bath can also improve water confidence.
The Otter Swim School has its own unique awards system that runs in conjunction with Swim England awards. Your child can develop through the stages from 5m through to Gold Award and then on to Rookie Lifeguard Awards.
Not all of our locations have spectator facilities, however it is usually possible to observe your child should you wish to.