Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Swimming Lessons in Southampton for All Ages
Established in 1974, Shirley Swimming Pool has been dedicated to providing swimming instruction for all ages in a safe, warm, and supportive environment. Our purpose-built facility in Southampton features two pools, with the main 25m pool reserved for general swimming and adult lane sessions, while the smaller heated pool caters to lessons and public swimming. Our team of qualified instructors delivers structured swimming programmes for newborns, toddlers, school-age children, and adults, ensuring rapid progression through continual assessment and unique award schemes. We pioneered baby swimming lessons in the UK and remain committed to innovation, having introduced distance badge testing every 10 weeks and special Saturday sessions for longer-distance awards.Payment is simplified through monthly rolling card payments with a two-week notice period, and we offer a free first lesson to build confidence in both parent and child. Our adult swimming classes accommodate nervous beginners and improvers, with private lessons available on request. The facility also hosts aquacise, open water sessions, crash courses during school holidays, and pool parties with exclusive use of the pool and inflatable activities. As a privately-owned public pool, we combine decades of experience with modern teaching techniques to ensure every swimmer achieves their personal goals while maintaining water safety and enjoyment.
Services
Baby Swimming
Toddler Lessons
Children's Classes
Adult Swimming
Crash Courses
Pool Parties
Private Lessons
Swim Club
Aquacise
Lane Swimming
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of dedicated swimming instruction experience since 1974
- Unique award scheme with continual assessment for rapid skill progression
- Free first swimming lesson with no obligation to continue
- Qualified instructors specialising in baby, toddler, and adult swimming
- Flexible payment options with rolling monthly subscriptions
Associations and certifications
- Carbon Neutral Britain
What people say
Excellent instructors
Structured programmes
Warm supportive environment
Rapid progression
Free first lesson
Services
Baby Swimming Lessons
Early water introduction for newborns from 6 weeks old. Qualified instructors guide parents through handling techniques using songs and play in a secluded 32C pool. Regular progression pathways lead to independent swimming by age 3. Our pioneering methods have been refining baby swimming since 1974.
Toddler Swimming Lessons
Structured classes for children aged 3-4 years. Focus on face-down breathing, floating, and gliding without support. Magnetic badge rewards system tracks progress towards Duckling Awards and 5m unaided swimming. Parents watch live via reception screen while children learn in small groups with experienced instructors.
Private Swimming Lessons
Tailored instruction with dedicated teacher-to-swimmer ratios of 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3. Ideal for special needs cases or accelerated learning, with 8-week blocks available on Sunday afternoons. Limited spaces ensure focused attention for both children and adults requiring additional support beyond group classes.
Crash Courses
Intensive 4-5 day holiday courses with daily 1-hour lessons and play sessions. Designed for rapid skill development through consecutive teaching, including diving progression and inflatable obstacle practice. Final day assessments qualify for commemorative certificates and distance badges up to 100m.
Adult Swimming Lessons
Beginner and improver classes for adults with sympathetic instructors. Small group sessions in warm shallow pools build breath control and confidence, progressing to deep water comfort. Evening classes accommodate working schedules while private lessons offer personalized instruction for nervous beginners.
Questions
Does Shirley Swimming Pool offer free trial lessons?
Yes, we provide a completely free first lesson for all new participants with no obligation to continue.
What ages do your swimming lessons cover?
Our lessons start from 6 weeks old through toddler, school-age children to adult swimming programmes.
How are swimming levels assessed at Shirley Pool?
We use continual assessment with badge testing every 8-10 weeks rather than fixed term progression.
Do you have adult swimming classes outside work hours?
Yes, evening beginner classes run Monday-Thursday and adult improver sessions operate evenings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
What payment options are available for swimming lessons?
We accept rolling card payments and Direct Debit with two weeks' notice required for cancellation.
Are private swimming lessons available?
Yes, private 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3 lessons available on Sunday afternoons during 8-week blocks.
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