As part of the latest #LoveSwimming campaign, Swim England is highlighting the life-changing impact swimming lessons can have on people of all ages. For three-year-old Phoebe and her nana Gill, weekly lessons have become about much more than learning to swim, they're building confidence, creating memories and helping Phoebe develop a skill for life. However when she first stepped into the pool in April 2026, she wasn't ready to let go.

Like many young children starting their swimming journey, the water felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. According to her swimming teacher Alison, Phoebe spent the first few weeks clinging tightly to her grandmother.

"First few weeks she was just holding onto her nan and she was quite upset so she didn't want to be on her own. But gradually we've worked on that and gained her confidence."

Fast forward a few months and Phoebe is a very different little girl in the water. Every Wednesday, she arrives at lessons excited to see Alison, eager to show off what she's learned. For Gill, watching that transformation has been one of the most rewarding things about sharing swimming lessons with her granddaughter. Since starting lessons, Gill and Phoebe have attended every week together, building a routine that has become one of the highlights of both their weeks.

Gill said: "The confidence has come on leaps and bounds. It's just a joy to see. She's done very well. I've loved every minute."

Their experience reflects findings from Swim England research, which found that more than eight in 10 parents say their child's water confidence increased after just a few lessons. For Gill, that increased confidence has been impossible to miss, both in lessons and beyond.

"Even when we've been on holiday, she's just... I can't explain it! She's just had so much confidence, she was jumping in the pool on holiday, it was lovely."

While learning to swim is helping Phoebe become more confident around water, it is also creating valuable moments between grandmother and granddaughter. Swim England research shows that eight out of 10 parents say that swimming with my child makes us feel closer as a family. Although every family's experience is different, Gill recognises how spending dedicated time in the pool has strengthened their bond.

Asked about her favourite memory so far, it isn't a badge, certificate or specific swimming skill that comes to mind. Instead, it's the gradual growth she's witnessed week after week.

"Watching her confidence grow, simple things like jumping in, she wouldn't have done it before.”

Gill also believes there is another important reason for introducing children to swimming from a young age… safety.

"I think the safety aspect is so important to know. They can be off in a shot and run away and at least you know that if anything awful did ever happen, she would hopefully be able to manage."

It's a message swimming teacher Alison has spent more than 40 years sharing with families. A former competitive swimmer, she has taught generations of children and believes the foundations of swimming are built through fun, play and positive experiences in the water.

She sees parent and child lessons as an opportunity to support the whole family, helping adults understand how to encourage their children's progress while building confidence in the water together.

For Alison, the advice she gives to families is simple: "I would say get them in as early as possible, or if they are too young to join the actual lessons, bring them as a family, have a little play in the pool with older brothers or sisters if they've got them, but the earlier you can get them in and used to water the better it is."

Today, Phoebe is thriving in lessons and for Gill, the decision to start swimming lessons is one she'd encourage every parent and grandparent to consider.

"Definitely consider it, it's one of the best things I've done with my children and now my grandchild. So definitely do it!"

As Swim England's latest #LoveSwimming campaign highlights, swimming pools are welcoming community spaces where everyone can start their journey, whatever their age or experience. With autumn typically offering quieter sessions and more opportunities for beginners to build confidence in the water, there's never been a better time to begin. Whether you're introducing a child to the water for the first time or making memories together as a family, taking that first splash could be the start of a lifelong love of swimming.

Ready to start your child's swimming journey?

Find your local pool and discover adult swimming lessons near you. No matter your age or experience, it's never too late to learn a skill that could change your life.