Children’s swimming lessons at Cofton: building water confidence for life

For one child, a big moment might be blowing bubbles with their face in the water. For another, it’s floating on their back for the first time. At Cofton Swim Stars, we celebrate those small steps because they help children feel more comfortable in the pool and ready to try something new. 

Our children’s swimming lessons take place in the heated indoor pool at Ashburn Springs, at Cofton Holidays near Dawlish. From first splashes to stronger strokes, our teachers help children enjoy the water while learning how to stay safer in and around it. 

Why Water Confidence and Safety go hand in hand

When children feel comfortable in the water, they’re more willing to practice the skills that help them become capable swimmers. That starts with simple things like getting in and out of the pool safely, putting their face in the water and learning how it feels to float. Each skill gives them something familiar to build on in the next lesson. 

Swimming lessons also help children develop habits they can use beyond the lesson, whether they’re enjoying a family swim or spending time by the coast. Children still need close adult supervision around water, even as their swimming improves. 

From Discovery Ducklings to confident swimmers 

Our Discovery Ducklings lessons introduce young children to the water through play. They practise blowing bubbles, floating and moving through the water, with plenty of encouragement as they get used to each new skill. 

After completing Discovery Ducklings, children can move into Stage 1 from 3 years and 8 months, with group or one-to-one lessons available. As they progress through the Swim England stages, they work on stroke technique, water safety and stamina. 

We keep groups small so teachers have time to get to know each swimmer. There are up to four children per teacher in Stages 1–3 and up to six in Stages 4–7. We also offer private one-to-one and two-to-one lessons for children who would benefit from more individual support. 

Teachers assess swimmers throughout the term, with badges and certificates celebrating milestones as each child reaches them. You can see what your child has achieved and what they’re working towards in the ThinkSmart Parent Portal. 

Meet Lauren, our Swim School Co-ordinator 

Lauren is a Swim England Level 2 Swimming Teacher with more than eight years of teaching experience. She’s worked with children taking their first tentative steps into the pool as well as swimmers developing more advanced skills. 

As our Swim School Co-ordinator, Lauren organises lessons, works closely with our teachers and is a friendly point of contact for families. She knows how much difference it makes when a child feels comfortable with their teacher. Sometimes that trust is what helps them let go of the poolside and try a skill they weren’t quite ready for the week before. 

If you’re unsure which stage or lesson format would suit your child, Lauren can help you find the right starting point. 

Ready to get started? 

Whether your child is new to the water or ready to build on what they’ve already learnt, we’d love to welcome them to Cofton Swim Stars. 

Explore children’s swimming lessons at Cofton or speak to Lauren about the best lesson for your child. Call 07495 963460 or email swimstars@coftonholidays.co.uk.