Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire has been teaching county children to swim 'independently, beautifully and confidently' for almost 15 years, instilling a lifelong love and respect for the water.
After hosting its very first lessons in January 2012, its expert teachers have helped thousands of Gloucestershire children get confident in the water – and now has around 800 regular swimmers.
Offering swimming lessons for babies and toddlers, plus Swim Academy lessons for school-aged children, all designed by its own expert technical director, its lessons are created and delivered by rigorously trained and qualified teachers, supported by experts in child psychology, child development, and midwifery, contributing to what it calls 'the Puddle Ducks difference'.
What to expect from Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire swimming lessons
Baby and preschool swimming lessons are taught in warm water with a maximum of 10 children per class, and incorporate rhyme, music and movement to build water-confidence and instil a love of swimming, while providing a great bonding experience for babies and parents.
These gentle, child-led programmes are completely unique to Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire and teach children to have fun and be safe in the water from day one – with many children who take part being able to swim five to 10 metres unaided, with their faces underwater, before starting school.
While Swim Academy focuses on teaching children aged four and up to swim confidently, while also developing essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Lessons are designed to be fun and varied, to ensure children stay engaged and challenged.
What makes Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire swimming lessons unique?
Unlike some other swim schools, Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire never forces swimmers underwater or uses dunking. Children are taught to mimic their parent or teacher by looking down into the water, holding their breath, or blowing bubbles, when they're old enough, with the aim of working towards voluntarily putting their faces into the water.
At this point, children can start to take on independent surface swims and eventually surface dives, when they are happy and confident.
For older swimmers, the focus is on stamina, strength, and technique, so children learn good stroke first, before being allowed to swim longer distances, allowing them to build strength and stamina in the long-run.
All of Puddle Ducks' swimming teachers are fully qualified to at least STA Level 2, with Swim Academy lessons taught by two teachers to every eight children and only qualified teachers in the water during lessons – with poolside assistants and lifeguards on hand, too.
What age can children be to take part in Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire swimming lessons?
Children can join in with Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire baby swimming lessons from birth.
Swim Academy classes are designed for children aged four and up, and Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire suggests a maximum age of 10-years-old.
Where are Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire swimming lessons available?
Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire swimming lessons are available at Cheltenham Chase Hotel in Brockworth; National Star College, The Bettridge School, and Juvenate Health & Leisure Club in Cheltenham; Everlast Fitness in Gloucester; Whitemead Forest Park in Lydney; The Shrubberies School and Wycliffe College Prep School in Stonehouse; and The Moretons in Tewkesbury.
Does Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire work with schools?
Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire swim teacher Chloe and mascot Puddle regularly visit local primary schools to deliver free, age-appropriate water safety talks in assemblies, to help children who don't have access to swimming lessons understand how to stay safe in the water.
It has delivered water safety talks to over 5,000 children in the last year, with the intention to increase this going forwards, after Chloe was appointed its water safety ambassador in July 2026.
To find out more about Puddle Ducks Gloucestershire, or to enquire about swimming lessons, visit puddleducks.com/gloucestershire.
