Swim Wirral
LEARN TO SWIM WITH OUR SWIM WIRRAL LESSON PROGRAMME
Swim Wirral Lesson Programme
Welcome to Active Wirral’s Swimming Lesson programme.
Our Learn to Swim programme offers Swimming Lessons in Wirral for children aged 3+ irrespective of their ability and is delivered through the Swim England award scheme.
The programme criteria takes a child who has never been in the water before and guides them through all stages to becoming a competent swimmer or developing strength and technique.
The programme follows the Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway and Swim Wirral is an ASA approved Provider of swimming lessons.
Adult Swimming Lessons now available to book
Adult Swimming lessons are available to book at
Guinea Gap Leisure Centre
Mondays 9.15am – 10.00am & Thursdays 6.45pm – 7.30pm
£66.30 for a block of 6 lessons
Maximum of 10 swimmers in each session, swimming instructor in attendance at all times, non swimmers and beginners welcome.


Book onto our Swim Wirral lesson programme today
You can now book your child into our swimming lesson programme online
If your child is not currently on the Swim Wirral lesson programme it is essential that your child is placed into the appropriate class according to their ability.
Before they can join the programme they may be required to undertake a free swimming assessment to determine which class would best suit them.
Follow our simple questionnaire to ascertain the correct entry level for your child and book their lessons today.
Have they had swimming lessons previously?
Did the lessons follow the Swim England Learn to Swim programme?
When was their last lesson?
What stage was their last lesson?
What stage was their last lesson?
Are they 5 years of age?
Can they jump in the water unaided feet first AND travel on their front and back for 5 metres with or without an aid?
Can they fully submerge to pick up an object in shallow water AND travel on their front and back for 10 metres without an aid?
Please book onto the Ducklings class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Stage 1 class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Stage 2 class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Stage 3 class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Stage 4 class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Stage 5 class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Stage 6 class at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreGuinea Gap Leisure Centre
Leasowe Leisure Centre
The Oval Leisure Centre
West Kirby Concourse Leisure Centre
Please book onto the Academy (Stages 7 through 9) at one of the following centres:
Europa Pools Leisure CentreLeasowe Leisure Centre
Please book onto a Swim Assessment so we can match you with the correct class.
Book yourself onto a Swim Assessmnent via Leisure Hub
Contact the Swim Wirral team via email: swimwirral@wirral.gov.uk
Contact the Central Bookings Team on 0151 606 2010
Step 1
Log in to Leisure Hub in a new tab using the link below:
Sign up or Log inStep 2
Come back to this questionnaire and follow the link to the centre you wish to book at
Step 3
Conplete your purchase and manage your account online via Leisure Hub
MANAGE YOUR SWIMING LESSON ACCOUNT
ONLINE VIA HOME PORTAL
Home Portal, or enhanced online swimming lesson account management platform, is now live and available to make payments, move lessons and track your child’s progress.
If you are experiencing any issues accessing Leisure Hub, view our Leisure Hub and Home Portal customer guide
More Information
- The swimming lesson programme is continuous, with closures during Christmas holidays, Easter holidays and the Summer holiday break only.
- Lessons do not take place on Bank Holidays as leisure centres are closed.
- Parents/guardians must notify the Swim Wirral admin team via email of any medical diagnosis.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of children in all areas of the building prior to, and after the swimming lesson.
- Children need to be 3+ to commence lessons. (Excluding Discovery ducklings.)
- Swimmers must change in the changing rooms and not in any other areas of the leisure facility, including poolside or café areas.
- Swimmers under the age of 8 may use either gender changing rooms when accompanied by a parent / guardian. Swimmers aged 8 or above must use the correct gender changing rooms. Lockers are available for swimmers belongings. Clothes, bags etc. should not left unattended in the changing rooms.
- Swimmers should wear appropriate swimwear for their lessons. Ideally boys should wear trunks and girls a one piece costume. Long hair should be tied back or preferably a swimming cap should be used. Swimmers must not wear jewellery during lessons.
- Swimmers must not enter poolside or the lessons waiting area (depending on centre policies) prior to the lesson time.
- Swimming ability and progression will vary for individual swimmers. We strive for consistency within our lesson programme to the set standards within the Swim England National Swim programme. Progressing swimmers before they are ready will not benefit swimmers and may affect their confidence and safety, along with the effective delivery of lessons.
- Parents/guardians/spectators can view lessons from designated areas and should not enter poolside at any time.
- Photography and videoing of activities within the leisure facility is strictly not permitted.
- Parents/guardians must notify centre staff of changes to contact details as soon as possible to ensure that we can contact you at short notice or notify the Swim Wirral administration team at swimwirral@wirral.gov.uk
- Queries regarding the swimming lessons should be made through reception at your swimming pool or with the Swim Wirral team. Please do not disturb the swimming teachers at any time.
Prices
The following prices will be charged from 1st April 2025
| Swimming Lesson | Prices |
|---|---|
| Junior Swimming Lesson | £7.00 |
| Junior Direct Debit Swimming Lesson Instruction (All Centres) | £24.50 |
| Junior Cash Swimming 12 Week Block | £84.00 |
Payment Method
There are two payment options:
Direct Debit
An initial pro-rata payment is required for the period between your first lesson and your first Direct Debit payment. There are two direct debit dates, the 1st or 20th depending on which falls first.
12 Week Block
A block of 12 lessons purchased by cash or card.
If you have paid for a block of 12 lessons, when your child reaches the point where there have 4 lessons remaining, we will notify you, by email, inviting you to top up your lessons over the phone.
You will continue to receive email reminders for the next 3 weeks until your block of 12 lessons is complete.
If you have not topped up before the final lesson starts, we will assume that you no longer require your place on the Swim Wirral Programme and your child will be removed.
The Swim Wirral Programme runs in stages from Ducklings (Pre-school), through Stages 1 – 6, leading to the Swim Wirral Academy which covers Stages 7 and above. Each Stage of our programme has a list of outcomes that need to be completed in order to gain each award.
Once all outcomes are completed you are able to purchase the relevant badge and certificate from the leisure centre reception and then progress through to the next stage.
Continuous Assessment
The governing body for swimming, Swim England recommends that children within our programme are assessed continuously throughout the Swim Wirral programme.
This allows us to:
- Provide one continuous course with breaks built in at Christmas, Easter and the Summer holiday period.
- Offer parents a greater input as to when and where their child’s lesson will take place. Remove the need to queue at reception for re-enrolment.
- Enable children to move stages when they reach their attainment level throughout the course, rather than waiting until the end of each term.
Method of Communication
Our preferred method of communication is by email. This will enable us to contact you immediately when:
- Your child has been booked into a class.
- Your child has been awarded an achievement award.
- Your child is ready to move into the next stage.
- Lesson top up payment is due (customers paying in 12 week blocks only).
- We experience last minute swimming lesson cancellations and facility closures.
Lesson Cancellations
Should it be necessary to cancel a lesson, we will notify you as quickly as possible. Our preferred method of contact is email. Please ensure that you have provided us with an up to date email address.
Customer Cancellations
As per T’s & C’s we require a minimum of 3 months payment. To cancel we require 10 working days notice prior to payment date in writing, preferably by Email: swimwirral@wirral.gov.uk
Swimming teachers will be using iPads during lessons. These will be used to take registers, deliver the scheme of work and also to record the assessment and progress of your child.
Information kept on electronic devices is minimal and only sufficient for the teacher’s requirements.
Functionality on these devices has been restricted to prevent unwanted use of other functions on the device.
Photography and videoing of activities within the leisure facility is strictly not permitted.
Pool Information
What is the temperature of your pools?
- Guinea Gap Training Pool: 27.6°C
- Europa Pools & Leasowe Main Pool: 28.5°C (unsuitable for babies)
- Guinea Gap Leisure Pool: 30–31.3°C
- Leasowe Small Pool: 31.6°C (family swim sessions only)
- The Oval: 29°C
- West Kirby Concourse: 29°C
Which pool is best for babies?
Guinea Gap Leisure Pool and Leasowe Small Pool are the warmest and most suitable.
What is the length of your pools?
All main pools are 25m.
Is the wave/fun pool open at Europa Pools?
No, we no longer offer a wave/fun pool. A training pool is available.
Sessions & Activities
Do you offer parents and tots sessions?
Yes, at Guinea Gap. No booking required. £6.20 per adult, under 5s free.
What is Aqua Tots?
A parent, baby & toddler fun session:
- Leasowe: Instructor-led, £6.75 per adult (booking recommended)
- West Kirby: £6.20 per session (no instructor)
How long is each swim session?
45 minutes.
What is the difference between adult-only swim and lane swim?
- Adult-only: One-way system swim.
- Lane swim: Ages 8+, competent swimmers only, must swim lengths.
Pricing
How much is it to swim?
- Adult: £6.20
- Child: £3.80
- Under 5: Free
- Family (4): £16.55
- Family (6): £22.05
Free for members within their access benefits.
Policies & Equipment
Do I need to wear a swim cap?
No.
Can I wear a wetsuit or bring swim aids?
Wetsuits, fins, and snorkels are not allowed. Kickboards and some aids are permitted.
What can I wear to swim?
Swim costume, swim shorts, modesty swimwear (3-piece).
Do you sell swim nappies and equipment?
- Disposable nappies: £2.50
- Adjustable nappies: £12.50
- Swimwear, goggles, swim aids, and limited toiletries also available.
Access & Facilities
How do I access the pool?
- Europa: Steps
- Guinea Gap: Beach entry or steps
- Leasowe: Steps
- The Oval: Ramp with railings or steps
- West Kirby: Beach entry or steps
Are there private showers?
Yes, plus open showers, family change areas, and disabled facilities.
Do you offer disability swim?
Yes, at The Oval, Europa, and West Kirby.
Can my carer come with me?
Yes.
Children & Families
What age can my child swim alone?
8+ if competent in water.
What swim times can my child attend?
Public and family swim sessions. Lane swimming for 8+ competent swimmers (with responsible adult on premises).
Do you offer swimming lessons?
- Children: Ages 3+, book online via our website.
- Adults: At Guinea Gap (Mon mornings & Thu evenings).
Other Info
Do you have free parking?
Free at Leasowe, Guinea Gap, and The Oval. Pay & display at West Kirby and Europa.
Do times change in school holidays?
Yes, check holiday timetables online.
Can I swim anytime?
Please check timetables online before visiting.
| Term dates 2024/26 | |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Monday 2nd Sept - Sunday 22nd Dec |
| Spring Term | Monday 6th Jan - Sunday 6th April |
| Summer Term | Monday 22nd April - Sunday 20th July |
Leisure centres and swimming pools are closed on Bank Holidays including 25th, 26th December and 1st January, and lessons are cancelled and not charged.
Contact Us
Call
0151 666 5661 / 5013
Email
swimwirral@wirral.gov.uk
“Learning to swim is a milestone for all children – Join us for the journey”

