Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q: How old does my baby have to be to attend classes?

Q: Does my baby need to be immunised before attending classes?

A: No. There is no evidence to suggest that immunisations are required prior to taking infant swimming lessons. Click on the link for NHS Direct guidence. NHS Site

Q: How do I book a place on a course?

A: Call or email us to book your preferred venue and time.

Q: What should my baby wear?

A: A swim nappy covered by a Happy Nappy (available for purchase from BabyWaves as part of the starter bag or seperately). Please note, without a suitable happy nappy your baby will not be allowed into the pool for health and safety reasons.

Q: What should I bring to the lessons?

A: A swim costume and towel for yourself and swim nappy, happy nappy and towel for your baby. You may want to bring along a hat for your baby to wear upon leaving the pool.

Q: What are the upcoming term dates?

A: Click here to see the next term dates.

Q: When will my baby receive a badge and certificate?

A: After their first lesson they will receive a badge and certificate, then another on completion of each term. Click here for levels.

The toddlers will receive their first badge and certificate after their first term.

Q: When can I re-book and pay for a new term?

A: On week 5 of the term you will be asked if you require a place on the next term. On week 6 and 7 payments and confirmations will be made.

Q: What should I do if my baby is unwell?

A: Please consult your Doctor if you feel your child is too ill to attend class.

Q: What if I miss a class due to Holiday?

A: As classes are paid in advance for a term, we are unable to offer refunds for classes not attended. What we can do is offer you additional classes during the same term, though this is subject the availability within the class and is not guarenteed.

Q: How long should I arrive prior to the class starting?

A: Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your stated class time. Your stated class time is the time that you will be allowed into the pool.

Q: Are BabyWaves teachers qualified?

A: BabyWaves are qualified baby and pre-school swimming teachers (birth to 5 years) through the Swimming Teachers Association (STA). Swimming teachers also hold the NARS Poolside Helper first Aid course.

Q: What changing facilities are available at the pool?

A: There are 2 changing rooms available at Hideaway SPA.

Q: Can I bring a spectator?

A: You are allowed to bring one spectator into the pool. They will be required to wait in the upstairs waiting area until the class commences, then can come to the poolside to watch the class. Spectators will also have to leave before the children are out of the water. This is because the exit to the pool area is through the changing facilities. Please note that the poolside is extremely hot during summer months.

Q: Am I required to go underwater?

A: You are not required to go underwater with your baby, yet there are opportunities where you are offered goggles/mask in order to see your childs face underwater.

Q: What if I can't swim?

A: The pool depth is 1.5 Meters. You are not required to be able to swim. Many parents who are not confident in the water like to bring their babies into the water at an early age in order to ensure they do not expereince the same anxieties as they did when in the water.

Q: When will I expect my baby to swim unaided?

A: If your baby regularly attends from an early age the may be able to swim unaided from around 2-3 years of age, yet many babies are able to move freely under the water from an earlier age.

Q: How do I get a photograph of my child swimming underwater?

A: By clicking here you can find out details of Urchin Rocks next Photo shoot dates. BabyWaves will look to future opportunities of carrying out a shoot at Hideaway Spa Barnsley

Q: What if I cancel my course?

A: Once payment has been made, we are unable to offer a refund (exceptional circumstances will be considered).

Q: How many babies are in each class?

A: There is a maximum of 7 babies with accompanying parents at each class. At BabyWaves we like to keep our classes small in order to provide a more personal service for you and your baby.

Q: I am scared of submerging my baby, how will I know if my baby is OK with this?

A: We will ensure your child is comfortable with all activities in the course and will assess their reactions and responses to ensure they are happy and relaxed.

NHS Site

BabyWaves

Water Confidence Classes for Babies & Toddlers