What to Bring to Your Child's First Swimming Lesson: A Parent's Checklist
The first swimming lesson is a big day. Your child might be excited, nervous, or a little of both, and you probably have questions about what they’ll need. A bit of preparation goes a long way towards a smooth, happy first experience in the water. Here’s everything to pack, plus a few tips to help the day go well.
The Essentials
A bright, well-fitting swimming costume. Choose something comfortable that lets your child move freely. For girls, a one-piece tends to stay in place better than a bikini. For boys, swim shorts with a drawstring or jammers work well. Bright colours are a great choice because they make children easier to spot in the water, which is an important safety benefit both in lessons and on family trips to the pool or beach. Avoid costumes with lots of ruffles or loose fabric, which can get heavy and distracting in the water.
Goggles. We strongly encourage all our swimmers to wear goggles. They help children feel more confident, keep water out of their eyes, and let them see clearly underwater, which makes learning new skills much easier. Have your child try them on at home first to make sure they fit snugly without pinching.
A swim nappy (for children not yet potty trained). A reusable swim nappy, often worn over a disposable one, is required for little ones. Regular nappies aren’t suitable because they absorb water and swell.
A towel. A hooded towel is a great choice for little ones since it keeps their head warm after getting out. Pack an extra if your child tends to get cold.
A change of clothes. Bring something easy to pull on over damp skin, like loose trousers, a zip-up jumper, and slip-on shoes. Don’t forget clean underwear, which is one of the most commonly forgotten items.
A plastic or waterproof bag. You’ll need somewhere to put the wet costume and towel afterwards so the rest of your bag stays dry.
Your Harrogate School of Swimming Hat
At your child’s first session, we’ll give them their very own Harrogate School of Swimming hat. Swimming hats are compulsory in all our lessons, as they keep hair out of the face, help protect it from chlorine, and make it easy for our instructors to identify their swimmers.
Our hats are made from silicone, which is easy to put on and less likely to pull hair than latex. Some children don’t like the feel of silicone, and that’s completely fine. If that’s the case for your child, you’re welcome to purchase a fabric hat and wear that instead.
Nice-to-Haves
A comb or brush and leave-in conditioner. Chlorine can leave hair tangled, so a quick detangle after lessons makes life easier for everyone.
A small snack and a water bottle. Swimming burns a lot of energy, and children are often hungry afterwards. It may seem odd, but swimmers can get dehydrated too.
What to Leave at Home
Armbands, floats, and other buoyancy aids. Your instructor will provide any equipment needed for the lesson. Personal buoyancy aids can actually work against learning, since the goal is to help your child develop their own balance and body position in the water.
Jewellery. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings can get lost or snag. It’s best to leave them at home.
Toys from home. It’s natural to want a comfort item, but toys can be a distraction during class. If your child needs something familiar, let them hold it until the lesson starts and keep it in your bag.
Tips for a Smooth First Lesson
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to find the changing area, get your child ready, and let them see the pool before getting in. When you come onto poolside, our team will be there to meet you and give your child their swimming hat. Rushing in at the last minute can make nervous children more anxious.
Avoid a big meal right before. A light snack an hour or so before is fine, but a full stomach can make swimming uncomfortable.
Use the toilet beforehand. Have your child go right before the lesson starts to avoid interruptions in the pool.
Talk about it positively ahead of time. Let your child know what to expect in simple terms: they’ll meet their teacher, play games in the water, and practise new skills. Avoid phrases like “don’t be scared,” which can plant the idea that there’s something to fear.
Keep your own reactions calm. Children look to their parents for cues. If your child is hesitant, a relaxed smile and encouraging wave from the side goes a long way.
Expect some ups and downs. It’s completely normal for a child to feel unsure during their first lesson or even their first few. Every swimmer moves at their own pace, and our instructors are experienced at helping children build confidence step by step.
Quick Checklist
Bright swimming costume, goggles, swim nappy (if needed), towel, change of clothes, waterproof bag, comb, snack, and water bottle. Your swimming hat will be waiting for you at your first session!
We Can’t Wait to Meet You
The first lesson is the start of a skill that will keep your child safe and give them a lifetime of fun in the water. If you have any questions before your first class, our team at Harrogate School of Swimming is always happy to help. Just give us a call, or say hello when you come onto poolside.