Swimming Lesson FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start

About Swim Design Space

Swim Design Space is a community-focused swim school operating across five key locations in Gloucestershire: Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Blakeney. We provide expertly structured lessons for children and adults of all levels from beginners building water confidence to experienced swimmers refining technique. Our mission is to build water confidence and lifelong swim skills through small group teaching, tailored guidance, and a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Our lessons take place at well-equipped pools in:

• Dean Close School, Cheltenham
• Everlast Fitness Gloucester
• Everlast Gym Cheltenham
• Sir Thomas Rich's School, Gloucester
• Etloe House Farms, Blakeney

Each location is chosen for its quality, accessibility, and suitability for high-standard instruction. Whether you're new to the water or looking to sharpen your technique, we're here to help you reach your goals.

At Swim Design Space, we understand that starting swimming lessons whether for yourself or your child can raise lots of questions. That’s why we’ve created this in-depth FAQ to help you feel confident and well-informed before your first splash. It covers everything from bookings and class structure to swim gear and safety.

You’ll also find handy links throughout whether you're ready to book a class or looking to gear up through our swim shop.

1. How Do I Book Lessons?

Booking is simple and can be done entirely online.

• Visit our website at swimdesignspace.com
• Click on "Book Now." 
• Follow the on-screen instructions to answer a few quick questions that help us determine the right class level for you or your child
• Choose your preferred location and class type
• Complete your secure payment. 

Once your payment is processed, your spot in the class is confirmed. It’s that easy!

2. What Curriculum Do You Follow?

Our lessons follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework.

• Swim England Pre-School Framework
• Swim England Learn to Swim Framework Stages 1-7
• Swim England Adult Swimming Framework

It is a well-established, structured programme that supports swimmers through every stage, from first water confidence to refining strokes.

3. How Big Are the Classes?

We keep all our classes intentionally small, whether for preschoolers, older children, or adults, to ensure every swimmer receives focused, individual attention.

4. What Should I Bring to a Lesson?

To help your lesson run smoothly and comfortably, here’s what you’ll need:

• One-piece swimsuit (no two-piece suits are permitted)
• Swim cap
• Goggles for hygiene and visibility
• A towel
• Pool shoes
• Long hair should be securely tied back

Before entering the water, all swimmers must shower briefly poolside. This helps us maintain the cleanliness of our facilities and ensures a better experience for everyone. Need equipment? Browse our range of caps, goggles, and training gear.

5. Do You Offer Trial Lessons?

We don’t offer trial lessons. Swimming is a skill that builds over time, and we believe that real progress happens through consistency. Booking a term gives learners the time they need to build comfort, confidence, and technique.

6. What If We Miss a Lesson?

We know things don’t always go to plan, and we truly wish we could accommodate every change. However, as your space is reserved ahead of time and cannot easily be filled last-minute, we’re unable to offer make-up lessons or credits for missed sessions. We appreciate your understanding..

7. What Happens If Swim Design Space Cancels a Class?

If we ever need to cancel a class due to instructor illness, pool issues, or unexpected closures, we’ll notify you by email or SMS and aim to reschedule your session at the same venue. If that’s not possible, we’ll offer a nearby alternative where available.

8. Can I Cancel My Booking or Get a Refund?

Once a booking is confirmed, it secures your place in the programme for the full term. As a result, we don’t provide refunds for cancellations or missed classes.

Should your circumstances change and you wish to discontinue lessons, please let us know by the 1st of the month to stop at the end of that month. This allows us to plan responsibly and offer your space to another swimmer.

9. What Safety Measures Are in Place?

Safety is central to our programme. All of our instructors are Swim England certified and trained in first aid and safeguarding. Our facilities are monitored for water quality and cleanliness, and all locations have clear health and hygiene policies in place.

10. What If a Swimmer Has a Medical Condition?

If you or your child has a medical condition, please notify our team before lessons begin. In cases of illness (such as a tummy bug), we ask for swimmers to be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before returning to the pool.

11. Do You Offer Lessons for Adults?

Yes! Whether you’re dipping your toes in for the first time or looking to refine your technique, our adult swimming lessons are designed to help you feel more confident in the water at your own pace.

12. Can Siblings Join the Same Class?

Swimmers are placed into classes by age and ability to ensure the best learning experience. We assess siblings and offer guidance on the most suitable class for each child.

13. Do You Run Holiday Courses?

Yes! Our school holiday intensive courses are a great way to fast-track swimming progress. These short-term courses focus on core skills and water confidence. Visit our holiday programme page for the latest updates.

14. Can I Bring a Buggy Poolside?

To help us keep the pool environment clean:

• Buggies should be left in designated areas outside the pool hall, as space around the pool must remain clear.
• We kindly ask that families arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the session begins and plan to leave shortly after the class finishes.
• For the comfort of all visitors, food is not permitted inside the pool buildings.

15. Will the Same Instructor Be Teaching Each Week?

We do our best to maintain instructor consistency, and many of our teachers lead the same classes throughout the term. However, in rare instances (due to illness or schedule changes), we may assign another fully qualified instructor to your class.

16. What Happens If My Payment Fails?

If a payment through GoCardless fails, a £5 admin fee may be applied. Please double-check your payment details to avoid disruptions to your booking.

17. What Swim Products Do You Recommend for Beginners?

If you’re just getting started, these are a few customer favourites:

• Swim Goggles
• Swim Design Space silicone caps
• Kickboards and training fins

You’ll find more curated gear in our online shop.

Final Thoughts: We’re Here to Help

We believe swimming is a life skill, not just a hobby. Our mission at Swim Design Space is to make high-quality swim education accessible and welcoming for everyone.

If you still have questions, feel free to contact us directly. We would love to chat and help you get started on your swim journey.

Ready to dive in? Book your first class today or explore our swim shop for gear that supports your journey in the water.