Galway Baby Swim
Baby swimming – teach your child the precious gift of water confidence.
Benefits of Baby Swim
Baby Swim takes place in the hydrotherapy pool at Ocean Fitness, Salthill, and offers the following benefits:
Bonding: Enjoy movement, songs, and rhymes together, with lots of eye contact, praise, affection, fun, and plenty of cuddles.
Water confidence: Carefully designed lessons that build skills gradually toward the long-term goal of independent swimming.
Safety skills: Encourages independence while teaching a healthy respect for water.
Exercise: A gentle but effective workout for both parent and child, helping babies strengthen their own swimming movements.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Your baby can begin swimming as soon as you feel ready. Most babies start at around twelve weeks old.
The only requirement is that your baby must be under one year old when starting the course.
Try to feed your baby 1–2 hours before the lesson. Babies are often very hungry afterwards, having completed such a healthy workout.
A double-nappy system is required. Your baby must wear a swim nappy (disposable or reusable) with a neoprene nappy worn over the top. This provides extra protection and significantly reduces the risk of leaks.
For health and safety, the nappy must fit snugly around the tummy and thighs. Young babies can lose body heat quickly, and the neoprene layer helps keep them warm and comfortable in the water.
Neoprene nappies can be ordered from Splash About. From experience, we recommend choosing one size bigger.
Swim nappies are available in most supermarkets, including brands such as Little Swimmers and Huggies.
One parent or guardian is required per baby or toddler. Parents or guardians enter the water with their child and are fully supported and guided by a highly experienced swimming teacher. Two parents are welcome to join if available.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the lesson to allow enough time to change yourself and your baby without feeling rushed.
Each lesson lasts 30 minutes. Sessions are informative, well organised, and engaging, allowing babies and toddlers to splash, observe others, and learn through fun experiences suited to their attention span and energy levels.
Have a quick shower after the lesson. Babies and toddlers may be very hungry after swimming, so be prepared to feed them or offer a snack.
Swim Qualifications
Baby & Preschool Certificate
Swimming Teachers Association
Level One Swimming Teacher
Irish Water Safety
Birthlight
Special Needs Swimming Teacher (Babies and Toddlers)
Baby & Preschool Diploma
Swimming Teachers Association & Birthlight
Additional Information
Gift vouchers are available.
Cancellations require 24 hours’ notice.