Now the weather is warming up and school holidays are round the corner, here are Becky Adlington's top tips for getting you and your little one in the pool this Summer. Take it away Becky!

• Familiarise yourself with the pool before you go- It’s totally normal to feel apprehensive about the new environment and what the changing facility’s will be like. Most pools will let you visit ahead of time so you can see the changing rooms and poolside area. Our Total Fitness venues are great. They all have full baby changing facilities, pram area and café/quiet areas for feeding or a relax before or after lessons. The pools are all lovely and warm, over 32 degrees.


• Get prepared ahead of time- It is always advisable to make sure you have everything ready to go. Normally, I end up over packing for the kids and forgetting my own towel! No one wants accidents in the water so make sure you have waterproof nappies and then a swim costume/neoprene nappy on top of the swim nappy. Even though the water is lovely and warm, I would recommend you take a towel poolside for after the lesson to pop round your baby as you walk to the changing rooms. Essentials to pack are:
  
  
  
  • Swimming costume
  
  
  • Adult towel and a towel for the little one (take one poolside)
  
  
  • Swim waterproof nappy
  
  
  • Swim costume/happy nappy/neoprene nappy over the waterproof nappy
  
  
  • Padlock for the locker
  
  
  • Snacks/food for afterwards
  
  
  
  


• Lessons are key!!- Even as a swimmer and a qualified swimming teacher, I still take both my children to lessons. Both my children are super confident in the water as they go to their lessons every week. Rest assured, any parent/guardian who lacks water confidence themselves will have our expertly trained teachers there to support them every step of the way. We encourage learning to take place at a pace that suits both the adult and child. All the sensory toys and equipment are brilliant for your child’s development. With my little boy Albie, it’s definitely one of the best parts of our week.


• Safety first- It’s essential for you to keep your eyes on your child at all times. For toddlers, it is important to make sure they don’t run or jump into the water without you being ready. In all of our lessons, the teacher will always be in the water to support, help and encourage. In addition, there is always a lifeguard on duty too! If you’re going on holiday this summer, ask about lifeguards and look out for any safety information around poolside.


• Have fun!!- Try to relax and enjoy yourself as those positive vibes will most likely rub off on your child. It’s such a special, magical time to be able to bond with your little one, away from all distractions. Some serious quality time for you and your baby to connect. This time is also a fun, sociable weekly event for likeminded adults to meet and enjoy the experience together. Meeting new people and making friends are just some of the benefits to these classes and furthermore, it gives you a chance to do something which you both enjoy together.

If you're interested in teaching your child to swim, with an emphasis on fun, then you can find out more about Becky's Baby Stars (0-3) and Swim Stars (3-11) here.