Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Swimming Lessons in Ipswich
Established in 1988, Suffolk Swimming is a privately run swim school with a permanent base since 1993. Our dedicated team of highly qualified instructors, holding up-to-date Life Saving qualifications and DBS checks, delivers tailored swimming programmes for all ages from 10 weeks old. We operate two facilities in Ipswich and Swilland, offering a 10-metre indoor heated pool with changing facilities in a quiet rural setting. Our ethos focuses on developing confidence and competence in water through small group tuition, with a maximum of four children per class.We follow both ASA and STA progressive award schemes, ensuring structured development from baby swimming to advanced techniques. Our instructors specialise in areas including snorkelling, lifesaving, and synchronised swimming, with 44 years of combined baby swimming expertise. We prioritise safety, hygiene, and individual progress, maintaining strict cleanliness protocols and offering flexible class structures. Our facilities include ample free parking and accessible locations across Suffolk, serving Ipswich, Martlesham, and Woodbridge communities.
Services
Baby Swimming Lessons
Preschool Swimming Classes
Junior Swimming Programmes
Synchronised Swimming
Lifesaving Training
Snorkelling Lessons
Water Polo Classes
Adult Swimming Lessons
Holiday Intensive Courses
Progressive Award Schemes
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer small group lessons with a maximum of 4 children per class
- Our instructors hold up-to-date Life Saving qualifications and DBS checks
- We provide tailored programmes from baby swimming to advanced techniques
- Our facilities include a purpose-built indoor heated pool with changing facilities
- We have 44 years combined baby swimming teaching experience
Associations and certifications
- Swimming Teachers' Association (STA)
- Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)
Services
Baby Swimming Lessons
Structured baby swimming classes for infants aged 10 weeks to 3 years with parent participation. Our STA Starfish-accredited programme focuses on water familiarisation through gentle flotation, propulsion, and submersion techniques. Small groups of 4-5 babies ensure individual attention while developing motor skills and parent-child bonding in a warm, hygienic environment.
Preschool Swimming Classes
Confidence-building lessons for 3-4 year olds without parental accompaniment. Our qualified instructors use play-based learning with songs, games, and floatation aids to develop independence and water safety skills. Classes focus on front/back floating, basic strokes, and social interaction in warm water environments with 4-5 children per instructor.
Synchronised Swimming
Creative water choreography classes combining swimming, dance, and gymnastics. Our programme develops breath control, rhythm, and team coordination through structured routines. Participants learn advanced floating techniques and performance skills while building strength and flexibility in a supportive team environment.
Lifesaving Training
Comprehensive lifesaving instruction up to pool lifeguard level. Our programme covers water rescue techniques, first aid, and emergency response protocols. Participants develop advanced swimming proficiency while learning to prevent and manage aquatic emergencies through practical scenarios and theoretical instruction.
Holiday Intensive Courses
Accelerated learning programmes during school holidays for rapid skill development. These focused sessions reinforce swimming techniques through daily practice, building confidence and stroke proficiency. Courses cater to all levels from beginners to advanced swimmers seeking to refine their competitive skills.
People
Theresa Bex-Elmer
Swimschool Proprietor and Instructor
With 44 years of swimming instruction experience since 1980, Theresa established Suffolk Swimming in 1993. She specialises in early years aquatic development and has taught thousands of swimmers across all age groups.
Tony McGlone
Teacher and Lifesaving Trainer
Having trained staff for 22 years, Tony specialises in snorkelling and lifesaving instruction up to pool lifeguard level. He ensures all instructors maintain high water safety and rescue standards.
Jo Palmer
Teacher and Admin Assistant
A former pupil turned instructor, Jo teaches preschoolers and beginners while choreographing synchronised swimming routines. She combines teaching experience with administrative support for the swim school.
Dawn Foskett
Pre-school Teacher
With 15 years' experience, Dawn specialises in teaching 3-5 year olds using calm, patient methods. Her background as a parent participant led to a successful career in early years swimming instruction.
Alice Sim
Birthlight Baby Teacher
Alice transitioned from parent participant to instructor, specialising in baby classes. She teaches multiple weekly sessions focusing on gentle water familiarisation techniques for infants and toddlers.
Questions
What age can children start swimming lessons?
We accept babies from 10 weeks old for parent-accompanied classes, with preschool lessons available from age 3 without parental accompaniment.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold current Life Saving qualifications, DBS checks, and attend regular professional development seminars to maintain teaching standards.
What facilities do you offer?
We have a 10-metre indoor heated pool with changing facilities at our Swilland location, plus a purpose-built pool at Ipswich School's Henly Road site.
How many children are in each class?
Baby classes have 4-5 infants with parents, while preschool and junior classes maintain a maximum of 4-5 children per instructor for focused attention.
Do you offer adult swimming lessons?
Yes, we provide tailored adult swimming programmes for beginners through to advanced swimmers, focusing on technique development and water confidence.
What special programmes do you provide?
We offer synchronised swimming, lifesaving training, snorkelling, and water polo classes alongside our core learn-to-swim programmes for all ages.
