This is the million dollar question, plus what is the correct definition of “swimming!”

Each of our programmes are designed to teach children swimming at different stages of their mental and physical development.

Initially (under 1 year old) a child may be able to move through the water a short distance or up to about 2 seconds.  As the child gets older and stronger the distance may be increased as their kick gets stronger.  By 2 years old a child may be able to jump in, swim 5 metres or jump in and turn around to the side unaided.  By the time a child is 3 years old, the child may be doing “big arms” and can swim 20 metres with several breaths.

The important point is to take it step-by-step, realising that there is always tomorrow and that it is not a race.

Baby swimming starts at home in the bath tub.  This can start as soon as Mum and baby get home, gently get into your bathtub with child and gently float the baby in the warm water.  Bangkok Dolphins start lessons from 3 months old in the new heated facility.  These young babies have a memory of the fluid environment in the womb and the water feels natural. From 6 until 12 months gentle submersions is much easier and breath control can be taught relatively easy.  Once a child is 18 months and is asserting his / her own independence it is more of a challenge to teach mini torpedos under water, let alone starting with water on the face.  It is highly recommended that the earlier you start the easier it is….. just stick at it!

Swimming progress is clearly linked to the amount you practice.  We recommend that if you can make 2 lessons a week it would be beneficial, especially if your child is a little more cautious or fearful

No! Bangkok Dolphins progressive teaching methods encourage babies  / toddlers to swim naturally without the help of aids or “floaties”. From the initial stages if a child is taught the correct body position, then aids are not needed.

In  fact “floaties” encourage a more vertical position in the water instead of  horizontal.  In many cases children have come to classes in “floaties” and realize that no one else has them!  By the end of the first or second lesson they are off and never to be seen again.  However, if a parent has 2 or 3 children, all non-swimmers, then “floaties” might be the answer to all of them getting a swim, if they are at home.

One Bangkok Dolphins client recently had 4 children under the age of 5, and she never used “floaties”.  Now that’s an example!

The worst experience for a swim teacher is coaxing a child who is glued on “floaties” who can jump in, go under and is clearly able to swim.  However the child has been told to always swim in floaties!

Never! You must always watch your child in and around the water.  Between the age of 2 and 3 years old, children become very confident and many think they can swim.  Bangkok Dolphins teach water safety as a top priority and the programmes reinforce this as Bangkok many pools are without barriers or fences.

Our Air Pollution Policy has been developed in line with standard practice for our industry. You can review the policy HERE or contact he office if you have any further questions.

Long breaks, either through vacations or illness, do affect babies / infants.  However they soon get rid of the “cobwebs” and within a few lessons are back to their confident selves.  Remember that it’s not a race and that patience is key and several small steps will be more effective than a couple of big steps.  Remember to encourage, praise and take it at the child’s pace to get best results.

A swim diaper is essential if your child is not toilet trained, and a swimsuit of your choice.  If you don’t have a swimsuit just a diaper is fine, the pool is heated so they will not get cold.

Obviously you’ll need a towel, for both yourself and your baby to dry off with, and a swimsuit for yourself while you’re in the water with your child. Babies get hungry after a session in the water so make sure you have a bottle of milk to offer afterwards, if you are bottle feeding, as well as some snacks if your child is eating solids. Some toys or books might come in handy if the other parents go for a cuppa afterwards!

Yes the water is heated so even in the cooler months we can continue swimming. The water is approximately 33 degrees Celsius.

It’s never too late to enrol your child into swimming lessons. Enrolments are taken at any time throughout the term and term fees are prorated.  Each child is treated as an individual therefore no matter when they enrol they will be taught based on their own ability.

Unfortunately, there are often classes following your so playing in the pool after class is not possible. Look for our play in the pool time or ask our staff for more information.

Any personal fear or anxiety you may have about the water can be easily transferred to your child. Try to be supportive and positive at all times with your child. Inform reception and the instructor privately about your concern and they will support you through your child’s first lessons.

• Students are entitled to three make-up lessons per term.
• Where possible, 24 hours’ notice prior to the lesson being missed is requested by phone, email or LINE.
• Make-up lessons must be completed within the same term as the original lesson.
• Make-up lessons cannot be carried into the next term and must be taken in the term that the lesson was missed.
• Make-up lessons will be offered at any one of our locations if a suitable lesson is available.
• Make-up lessons are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
• Extended holidays during terms are only eligible for the three make-up lessons. The extra lessons missed will be forfeited and cannot be made up, credited, or refunded.
• If a make-up lesson is booked and you do not show up or inform us we will count that make up as completed.
• No refund or credit is available if a suitable make-up lesson cannot be found.
• Make-up lessons are not available until the term fees have been paid in full.
• For an extended illness or injury, please contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@bangkokdolphins.com when the illness or injury occurs.
  Unusual circumstances are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.