Swim Design Space Blog

Boost Your Child’s Swim Confidence with Summer Crash Courses

Every parent wants their child to feel safe and happy in the water. Water confidence that comfort and self-assurance a child has when splashing, swimming, or even just getting their face wet is one of the most important skills a young swimmer can develop. Not only does it make swim time more fun, it’s also a critical part of learning to swim safely.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why enrolling your child in a summer swim course is the best way to boost their water confidence, backed by expert insights and a look at our very own Swim Design Space summer programs in Cheltenham and Gloucester. By the end, you’ll see how a few summer lessons can transform a hesitant child into a confident water lover and why so many local parents are giving us five-star reviews for the results!

The Importance of Water Confidence in Kids

Water confidence is about feeling comfortable and secure in and around water. A confident child approaches the pool with excitement instead of fear. This confidence isn’t just “in their head” – it leads to real skill development and safety benefits. Studies have shown that when children overcome their initial fears and learn to swim, they gain self-esteem and confidence that carries over into other areas of life. Every small victory in the pool – putting their face underwater, floating independently, or swimming a few strokes – builds on itself. These“small wins” add up to a big sense of accomplishment that can make your child proud of what they can do.

Crucially, confidence and safety go hand in hand. A child who trusts themselves in the water is less likely to panic and more likely to remember their safety skills if they ever fall in. In fact, formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% for young children. That’s a compelling reason to start lessons early. Swim lessons teach vital techniques (like floating, treading water, and safe pool behavior) in a fun, supportive environment. As their skills grow, so does their confidence – andvice versa. It’s a positive cycle: feeling secure allows kids to learn faster, and learning skills makes them feel even more secure.

Building water confidence at a young age also fosters alifelong love of swimming. Children who feel confident in the pool are more likely to enjoy beach trips, pool parties, and aquatic sports as they grow. They see water as a source of fun, not fear. According to Swim England research, 84% of parents observed improved confidence or self-esteem in their children thanks to swimming lessons. Parents also noted that lessons helped their kids make new friends and be happier overall – confidence in the water often translates into social confidence during class playtime and beyond.

In short, helping your child become confident in water is one of the best gifts you can give them.

The question is: what’s the most effective way to do it? Our answer: Summer swim courses. Let’s dive into why summer is the ideal time to boost your child’s water confidence and how our Swim Design Space summer crash courses are designed exactly for that purpose.

Why Summer Is Perfect for Building Water Confidence

Summer and swimming go hand in hand. It’s warm, it’s fun, and kids are raring to jump in the pool. These sunny months also offer unique advantages that make summer swim courses especially effective for building water confidence:

More Frequent Practice, Faster Progress

Summer swim courses (often run as intensive “crash courses” with lessons every day or multiple times a week) give children consistent, repetitive exposure to the water. Instead of waiting a full week between lessons (and maybe forgetting what they learned), kids in a summer program get to reinforce skills almost daily. This consistency helps their muscle memory and water familiarity grow rapidly. New techniques from floating to kicking become second nature. As a result, water confidence builds week by week while any initial fear steadily decreases. With each lesson, your child will remember more and worry less.

Warmer Weather, Happier Swimmers

Ever see a child shiver at a chilly pool in winter? In summer, that’s not a concern.Warm air and sun-warmed pools make it much easier for kids to get in and get comfortable. The cold shock that might make a beginner hesitate in January isn’t an issue in July. In fact, summer’s balmy temperatures reduce mental barriers and ease kids into learning.

When children aren’t busy worrying about feeling cold, they can relax and focus on having fun and mastering new skills. The warm environment is especially helpful for nervous beginners. It provides a psychological boost: kids want to get in the water on a hot day, which is half the battle! As one program put it,a warm, comfortable swimmer is a confident swimmer. Summer basically rolls out a welcome mat for hesitant kiddos to hop in and splash around.

No School, No Stress

Summer break means no homework, no exams, and more flexible schedules. That relaxed vibe carries over into swim class. We’ve found that kids are more relaxed and focused during summer lessons they’re not coming in tired from a full day of school or rushing through homework. There’s a world of difference when a child shows up to the pool refreshed and excited rather than worn out from the school day.

With fewer competing priorities, your child can give swimming their full attention. Lessons become a fun highlight of the day, not another obligation. This low-pressure mindset makes it easier for them to try new things, whether it’s jumping in or floating on their back, which in turn boosts confidence. (And let’s face it –parents are a bit less stressed in summer too, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone!)

Immediate Real-World Practice

During the summer, chances are your family will be around water outside of class – maybe at a friend’s pool, the local lido, a water park, or on holiday at the beach. This is a huge bonus. What kids learn in their swim course on Thursday, they might get to show off on Saturday at the pool! This immediate use of new skills is amazing for confidence. For example, after a week of lessons, your child might proudly demonstrate their new ability to submerge and retrieve a toy from the shallow end during a weekend swim. They get to feel like a little heroin front of family and friends. Using skills in a fun, casual setting cements their learning and makes them even more eager to learn more.

One swim school describes this as a “motivation loop”: learn a skill in class → use it during fun water play → feel proud → get even more excited for the next lesson. We see this all the time in our summer courses – kids can’t wait to come back and tell us how they swam at Grandma’s pool or went down the big slide at the water park because they felt so confident.

Social Fun and New Friends

Summer swim courses often bring kids from all over the community together. Without the rush of the school year, children have a chance to bond with their classmates during and between lessons. Gaining water confidence isn’t just about skills it’s also about feeling comfortable socially in the pool environment. In our groups, we encourage games and teamwork (like group kick board races or “treasure hunts” for dive toys) that get children laughing and supporting each other.

By the end of a course, it’s common to see shy beginners blossom into giggling, splashy friends. Learning alongside peers can motivate a timid child to try a skill they might be scared to do alone. And when they succeed, they get high-fives all around! All this positive reinforcement contributes to an overall sense of confidence. Your child not only becomes confident in water, but also proud to be part of a little swim team with new buddies.

As you can see, the summer environment creates a perfect positive feedback loop for learning to swim. Frequent practice, warm weather, a relaxed mindset, and fun opportunities to use new skills all accelerate your child’s progress. By the time autumn rolls around, you won’t believe how far they’ve come. Now, let’s look at how Swim Design Space has harnessed these summer advantages into our Summer Swim Crash Courses – intensive, fun programs tailored to boost your child’s water confidence quickly and safely.

Introducing Our Summer Swim Crash Courses (Cheltenham & Gloucester)

This summer, we’re thrilled to offer special crash courses at our Cheltenham and Gloucester locations, designed for a fast-track boost in swimming skills and confidence. These courses condense the benefits of weeks of regular lessons into an action-packed series of sessions during the summer holidays. They’re perfect for kids who are either just starting out or need a quick refresher before returning to their normal swim routine. Here are the details:

Gloucester Summer Crash Course

Cheltenham Summer Crash Course

Pricing: We believe in offering high-quality instruction at accessible rates. Each 30-minute lesson is £10, so the full 4-session course is £40 per child. We also offer sibling discounts to help out larger families – feel free to contact us about the discounted rate for a second child if you’re signing up siblings together.

Who Will Be Teaching? Our instructors are the heart of our program, and during these summer courses we’ve hand-picked a team of our best to work with the kids in small groups:

All our instructors are Swim England-certified (the national standard for swimming teachers) and DBS checked for safety. They each have years of experience teaching kids of all ages and ability levels. Most importantly, they are patient, encouraging, and passionate about helping children succeed. Our team knows how to strike that perfect balance between teaching essential skills and making lessons fun and non-intimidating. We’ll greet your child with a smile and make sure the pool becomes a place they love.

What to Expect: Small Classes, Big Confidence Boosts

Our summer crash courses are designed around a simple idea: small group lessons with a focused curriculum lead to big leaps in confidence. Here’s what’s included in each course and what makes the experience special:

4 Structured 30-Minute Lessons

Each session is half an hour of focused instruction. That might sound short, but you’d be amazed how much a child can learn in 30 minutes when the lesson is well-planned (and when it’s day after day!). By keeping sessions short, we ensure younger kids don’t get too tired or lose focus – they finish each class proud and energized, not exhausted.

Small Group Sizes for Personal Attention

We cap our classes at 4 swimmers for beginners and 6 for the advanced level. Such high instructor-to-child ratios mean your child will never be lost in the crowd. The teacher is right there with them, often in the water demonstrating and guiding. This personal attention is key to building confidence: each child gets the support they need to try skills at their own pace. If your little one is nervous, the instructor can literally hold their hand as they attempt that first float or help them balance with a floatation aid. If your child is more advanced, the instructor can give detailed feedback to refine their stroke. Every child progresses according to their needs.

A Curriculum Focused on Safety, Skills, and Confidence

Our summer course curriculum is aligned with the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework stages, but we condense the goals into this shorter format. In practice, this means our instructors will cover:

Supportive, Inclusive Teaching Approach

By the end of the four sessions, you can expect your child to show marked improvement in both skills and confidence. Many parents tell us that even after just a week or two of intensive lessons, their child who once clung to the pool ladder is now splashing happily and trying things on their own. Some kids even surprise themselves (and their parents!) by achieving milestone firsts, like jumping in without help or swimming their first few meters. That’s the magic of a well-run summer swim course the progress comes fast, and with it, a wave of confidence.

Who Is the Summer Crash Course For?

Our summer crash courses are ideal for a wide range of children (ages 4 and up). If you see your child in any of these scenarios, they’re likely to benefit greatly from the course:

If you’re not sure which stage your child falls into, don’t worry – just reach out to us. We can help assess (based on age and any prior experience) and place your child in the appropriate group so they get the most out of the course. The overarching theme is that any child who could benefit from more confidence, skill, or just more time in the water will gain something from these summer lessons. We tailor our approach to each child’s level to ensure they feel challenged but never overwhelmed.

Why Choose Swim Design Space?

You might be wondering, among all the swim programs out there, what makes Swim Design Space special. We’re glad you asked! We are incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built in the Cheltenham and Gloucester area. Here are a few reasons families trust us with their children’s swimming journey (and why we’re confident you’ll love our summer courses):

Swim England Swim School Member (2025–2026)

We are a registered Swim England Swim School, which means our teaching methods and standards align with the national Learn to Swim Framework and best practices set by the UK’s governing body for swimming. This membership (which we’ve renewed for 2025–26) is a mark of quality and safety. Your child will be learning with a program that’s up-to-date with the latest techniques in teaching swimming and water safety.

High Instructor-to-Child Ratios

As we mentioned earlier, we keep our classes small. This is true not just in the summer but year-round. We believe individual attention is critical, especially for building confidence in beginners. A nervous child doesn’t get lost in the shuffle here – our approach ensures they always have a guiding hand nearby. In practice, this leads to quicker progress and a more comfortable experience for your little swimmer.

Proven Progression System

We have a step-by-step curriculum that gently progresses children from complete beginners to competent swimmers and beyond. Many of our students start in Stage 1 and stay with us through Stage 7 and even junior lifeguard programs. Each stage has clear goals and rewards (yes, we love our badge system!). Parents often tell us they appreciate the structure and clarity of our program – you always know what your child is working towards and celebrating next. Our summer crash course is an extension of this system – think of it as a focused highlight reel of progression, designed to either kickstart a journey or reinforce it.

Stellar Local Reputation

We’ve had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of children across Cheltenham and Gloucester, and the community’s feedback speaks volumes. We are proud to be rated 5 stars on Google Reviews by local families! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parents consistently praise our patient instructors, the confidence their kids gain, and the friendly atmosphere we maintain. (In fact, we recently celebrated reaching 50 five-star reviews – every single review we’ve gotten so far has been top marks, which is incredibly humbling and motivates us to keep up the good work.) When you join Swim Design Space, you’re not just another customer – you become part of a family that values each child’s success.

Tailored Lessons for Every Child

No two kids are the same. Some are little fish from day one; others need more time and encouragement. Some have high energy; others are more cautious. Our instructors are skilled at reading each child’s needs and adapting accordingly. We also have experience supporting children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and other sensory or developmental needs. Our team has employed techniques like visual schedules, extra warm-up time, or specific sensory toys to help these children thrive in the water. We firmly believe swimming is for everyone, and we go the extra mile to ensure every lesson is inclusive and supportive.

Fun, Engaging Environment

At Swim Design Space, we don’t believe in a harsh, pushy approach. We get results through positive reinforcement, games, and genuine care for the kids. Walk into one of our lessons and you’ll see smiles, hear laughter, and feel a warm, welcoming vibe. This matters because a child who enjoys coming to lessons will naturally build confidence faster. They associate water with happiness and achievement, not stress. Our summer courses, in particular, amp up the fun with seasonal themes (you might find our instructors in silly summer hats or using pool toys like watermelon balls for games). We want your child to remember this experience as one of the best parts of their summer – and come away a safer, stronger swimmer as well.

In summary, Swim Design Space offers the expertise of a nationally-aligned program with the personalized touch of a passionate local team. We’re constantly updating our knowledge (through Swim England workshops, first aid training, etc.) and investing in making our classes engaging (new equipment, staff training, and even things like water temp and pool accessibility considerations). Your child’s well-being and progress are truly at the center of what we do. That’s why so many parents entrust us with their kids year after year.

Gearing Up for Success: Swim Gear to Boost Confidence

While the instruction and environment are key to building water confidence, having the right gear can also make a big difference in your child’s comfort and progress. We often advise parents on a few swim accessories that can help nervous beginners and advancing swimmers alike. Here are some essentials (all of which we carry in our Swim Design Space shop, so you can conveniently find quality options with us):

Well-Fitting Goggles

 

Many kids are uneasy putting their face in water at first. A good pair of swim goggles can alleviate that worry by keeping water out of their eyes. Goggles allow children to see underwater clearly, turning an intimidating experience into an exciting one (“Look, I can see the pool bottom!”). We have kids’ goggles designed for smaller faces and anti-fog lenses, as well as adult sizes for mum and dad (why let the kids have all the fun?). Comfortable goggles that don’t leak or pinch will help your child feel more in control and willing to submerge – a big step for water confidence.

Floatation Aids (Floaties & Kickboards)

 

For our youngest swimmers or those still gaining trust in the water, using floaties or other aids can provide that extra bit of security. We recommend soft foam hand floats or kick boards for kids, like the playful FINIS “Floatie Friends” boards. These are boards shaped like fun animals (whale, shark, etc.) that children hold onto as they kick. They’re fantastic for working on leg movements and body position while giving the child a sense of buoyancy.

Unlike inflatable arm bands (which we use sparingly, as we want kids to learn body balance without relying too much on arm floats), a foam board lets them practice proper kicking and still feel safe. It’s also something they control they can clutch it as tightly as needed, which can be very empowering for a nervous swimmer. During our lessons we might use these aids at first, then gradually encourage the child to let go for a few seconds at a time as their confidence grows.

Fins for Learning (and Fun)

 

You might not think of flippers for a child, but swim fins can be a game-changer for building confidence in slightly older kids and even adults. Short training fins like the FINIS Positive Drive Fins or the smaller Booster Fins help swimmers move through the water with less effort by giving extra propulsion to each kick. For a child who’s anxious or struggling to make forward progress, putting on fins can suddenly make kicking click. They zoom forward and feel what it’s like to glide and trust me, the grin when they realize “wow, I’m fast!” is priceless. Fins also build leg strength and improve technique (they encourage a proper kick instead of bicycling legs). We use fins in some Stage 5-7 exercises, but they can also be used playfully – like pretending to be mermaids or sharks. If you’re an adult who isn’t confident in water, fins can similarly give you a boost of speed and confidence as you practice alongside your child.

Snorkels for Exploration

 

Once a child is more comfortable with basic swimming and breathing, a center-mount snorkel can add a whole new dimension of confidence-building. Snorkels aren’t just for coral reefs – we often use swimmer’s snorkels in our advanced classes to refine technique or just to let kids experience the joy of continuously swimming without lifting their head. With a snorkel and goggles on, a child can swim face-down, breathing normally, and truly explore the underwater world. This can be incredibly empowering for kids who have mastered the basics – it gives a sense of adventure and freedom in the water. We carry junior-sized snorkels for kids as well as adult models, in case mum or dad wants to snorkel alongside. For a fun summer activity, bring a snorkel to the pool and toss some dive rings for your child to find under water – they’ll feel like a true explorer! Gaining proficiency with a snorkel can further increase lung capacity and comfort with the face in water, which translates to better confidence when swimming without one, too.

A quick note: While gear can help, we always ensure that a child doesn’t become entirely dependent on any aid. The goal is confidence in themselves, not just in the equipment. So we incorporate gear strategically – for example, using a float for a portion of the lesson, then attempting the skill without it. Over time, the aids become unnecessary. But as training tools and confidence boosters, they are fantastic. Plus, new gear is exciting for kids – sometimes all it takes is a cool new pair of goggles or a fun fish-shaped kick board to get a hesitant child eager to jump in the pool!

Feel free to check out our Swim Design Space shop for these items if you need recommendations. We’ve curated gear that we trust (we even use it in our own classes as described). Having the right kit can make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable for your little swimmer.

What Parents Are Saying

We can talk all day about our programs, but nothing speaks louder than the experiences of families who’ve swum with us. We’re extremely proud to have a 5-star rating on Google Reviews, with parents across Gloucester and Cheltenham praising the improvements they see in their children. Here are a few themes that come up frequently in our reviews (and warm our hearts every time!):

We’re incredibly grateful for our parent community who take the time to leave these reviews and refer friends. It tells us we’re doing something right, and it motivates us to keep improving. If you’re new to Swim Design Space, we encourage you to check out our reviews (just search “Swim Design Space Cheltenham reviews” or visit our site) to hear directly from other mums and dads in our community.

One thing we consistently hear is: “I wish I had enrolled my child sooner.” So if you’re on the fence, take the plunge! Summer is the perfect time to start, and you’ll be amazed at how much confidence your child can gain in a short span.

Ready to Make a Splash? Book Your Summer Course Now!

Water confidence is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and this summer is the perfect opportunity to give that gift to your child. We’ve seen time and again how a short intensive course can turn nerves into excitement and hesitance into fearless fun. Your child’s safety, confidence, and joy in the water are our top priorities – and we would love to help them shine this summer.

Spaces are limited and filling up fast for both our Gloucester and Cheltenham crash courses. We intentionally keep class sizes small, which means spots do run out. If you’re interested (or even just curious to learn more), now’s the time to get in touch:

Investment: The entire 4-session course is just £40 – a small investment for a summer of skills and confidence that will benefit your child for years to come. And remember, if you have more than one child, ask about our sibling discount to save a bit extra.

Preparation: Once you’re booked in, we’ll send you a welcome email with what to bring (swimsuit, towel, goggles if you have them, etc.), when to arrive, and all those details. We handle the planning so you and your child can simply show up ready to enjoy the water.

At Swim Design Space, we truly believe that every child has the potential to be a confident swimmer. Sometimes it just takes the right environment and a little extra encouragement to unlock that potential. A summer swim course can be the catalyst – by autumn, you could be one of those proud parents watching your youngster show off their newfound skills at the pool.

Imagine the peace of mind you’ll have seeing your child comfortable in water, the pride they’ll feel earning their certificate, and the fun memories you’ll both make during this journey. Swimming is more than just a sport or a hobby; it’s a life skill and a source of joy, confidence, and health.

Give your child the gift of water confidence this summer. Come join our Swim Design Space family, and let’s make a splash together! We can’t wait to cheer on your child as they grow from cautious beginner to confident swimmer – all in a matter of weeks. Summer is here, the water’s warm, and an amazing experience awaits. Secure your spot today, and watch your child’s confidence soar.

Let’s dive in! 🏊‍♀️🌞

Book now!