According to Swim England, teaching your child to swim brings a whole heap of benefits that will last a lifetime. Not only does it help them stay safe around water, but it will also boost their health – physical and mental alike – their fitness levels and their confidence, as it opens up a wide range of activities and sports. Not to mention that it’s also the perfect way to keep cool and have fun.
Swimming lessons
Goggle Squad
GoggleSquad Swim School was founded by former GB synchronised swimmer (and East Molesey mum) Nicola Ayers. The school has several venues across the area including Cobham, Claygate and Walton. Lessons range from baby and toddler, to technique and intensive courses and are available in an individual or group setting.
Swimway
Get your child off to a flying start with SwimWay swimming school, which runs a range of term-time and holiday courses at multiple private pool venues including Kew, East Sheen and Wimbledon.
Hampton Pool
Next to Bushy Park, Hampton Pool has a 36-metre-long heated outdoor pool with a learner pool. Lessons are available with kids club packages on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer holidays – expect giant inflatables, obstacle courses and more.
Sailing clubs
Hampton Sailing Club
Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, Hampton Sailing Club prides itself on its family-friendly offer. Based on Benn’s Island, it offers youngsters the chance to compete in regattas and competitions.
Shepperton’s Littleton Sailing Club
Shepperton’s Littleton Sailing Club has a dedicated schedule of fun activities for children from aged 6+ as well as club and national race opportunities and the chance to take part in youth instructor courses.
Andy Hooper Daily Mail
Paddleboarding
Hampton Court Paddle Sports
Hampton Court Paddle Sports offers a choice of canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, all from a private pontoon on a quiet stretch of the Thames at West Molesey. Individual and group hires and lessons are available – you can even hold a party on a giant eight-person paddleboard! All equipment is included in the price, which starts at £20 p/h for a single, sit-on-top kayak.
Surrey Outdoor Learning
Run as part of Surrey Outdoor Learning, Thames Young Mariners offers courses for kids throughout the summer break from its riverside venue in Ham. Activities include kayaking, raft building, canoeing, team challenges, and orienteering.
Surrey Hills Adventure Company
Surrey Hills Adventure Company (SHAC)’s Wet & Wild Adventure Day takes place at Buckland Park Lakes near Betchworth. Suitable for children aged 8 to 15 who are water-confident and able to swim 25 metres comfortably, the day comprises a mix of SUP and bushcraft survival skills that take place in the Buckland Viking Camp.
Water parks
Thorpe Lakes
Based at Chertsey, Thorpe Lakes offers regular kids clubs and summer camps. A huge inflatable obstacle course for children aged 6+ is open throughout the warmer months, and there are special sessions for parents with younger children. In addition, old and young alike can try their hand at wakeboarding or water skiing.
