Everything You Need To Know For Your First Lesson
What To Bring
Swimsuit: Choose a comfortable and appropriate swimsuit that allows the swimmer to move freely in the water. For men, swim trunks and for women one-piece swimsuits. Make sure your swimsuit fits well and is suitable for swimming activities.
Swim Cap: Swimmers with hair below their shoulders and swimming in lanes (Stage 5) must wear swimming caps. However, we suggest searing swim caps from Stage 1. Swimming caps can: help keep the hair out of the swimmers face, provide hair protection, improve hygiene and cleanliness and reduce water resistance.
Goggles: A pair of swimming goggles is highly recommended in Stage 2 and onwards. We suggest that your child learn how to submerge their face without goggles in the early stages. Look for goggles that fit comfortably and provide a good seal around the swimmers eyes. Please test them in the bath or sink before coming to the first lesson.
Towel: Bring a large, absorbent towel to dry off after your lesson. Microfiber towels are a popular choice as they are lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to pack. You may also want to bring a plastic bag for your wet clothing.
Flip-flops: The Haileybury Sports Complex are very strict on outside footwear. It is very important that outside footwear is removed before entering poolside (exiting the changing rooms) or swapped with poolside appropriate footwear such as flip-flops.
Swim Bag: A swim bag or backpack is handy for carrying all your swimming essentials. It keeps your items organized, protects them from getting wet, and makes it easier to transport everything to and from the pool.
Change of Clothes: After your lesson, you'll likely want to change out of your wet swimsuit. Pack a change of comfortable clothes, including underwear, socks, and shoes, so you can get dressed comfortably.
Water Bottle: For 30-minute lessons, we suggest having a drink before the session. For 1 hour sessions, it is expected that a water bottle is brought onto the poolside. If you are spectating, it can get very hot so we highly recommend bringing a drink for yourself to stay hydrated.
Personal Toiletries: If you plan to shower or freshen up after your lesson, consider bringing your own toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a comb or brush. The showers will be available but can be limited on our busier days.
Where To Go - Haileybury
Haileybury Sports Complex is situated between Hertford and Hoddesdon, about 20 miles north of central London, and is conveniently located close to the A10 and easily accessible via the M25, A1, M11 & A414.
Access is from the B1197, turn into College Road and continue to the end.
The Haileybury Sports Complex, Haileybury College, College Rd, Hertford SG13 7NU.
There is free parking available onsite for all customers
*Please be advised that there is a strict 15 MPH speed limit within the Haileybury grounds.
Enter through our main entrance
What To Do On Arrival
For your first lesson, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the lessons and familiarise yourself with the facilities.
Before entering the poolside, remove your outdoor footwear and wait in the designated waiting area. Please ensure you arrive at the waiting area 5 minutes before the lesson starts.
Changing Rooms/Shower Facilities*
Poolside Balcony
We have created a Pick-Up and Drop-Off System Diagram which will show you in detail where to go, where to drop off your child before lessons and where to pick up. Please click here to download the file and have this on hand with you on the day.
*The showers will be available for use but can be limited on our busier days.
Where To Go - Heath Mount
Our Heath Mount venue is situated in Heath Mount School, Woodhall Park, Watton at Stone SG14 3NG.
Fun Fact: Heath Mount is one of the oldest private schools in the country founded in 1796!
Enter the Heath Mount Main Entrance
Drive on and you will arrive at the gates.
*Please be advised that there is a strict 10 MPH speed limit within the Heath Mount grounds.
Please use the intercom on arrival to access the Heath Mount grounds.
Drive straight through to the end of the road.
You will arrive at a second set of gates. Please press the button to operate the gate to enter the pool car park.
There is free parking available onsite for all customers
*Please don’t park on the grass area.
On arrival, please head to this building which is on the left hand side of the car park.
What To Do On Arrival
Head to this building where you’ll find the changing rooms on your right hand side.
*Please be advised that there is a strict no dog-walking on the Heath Mount grounds and no wandering the grounds. Outdoor footwear must be removed or shoe covers put on when entering the pool.
Once changed, please enter the pool enclosure which is on the left hand side of the Changing Room building.
For your first lesson, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the lessons and familiarise yourself with the facilities.
Before entering the poolside, remove your outdoor footwear and wait in the designated waiting area.
Please ensure you arrive at the waiting area 5 minutes before the lesson starts and 5 minutes before the lesson ends to pick up your child. This is very important as we have quick changeovers.
Please note, there is currently a waiting list for our private lessons.
Click the button below and please fill out our form providing us with as much information as you can about your child’s swimming level and ability. Please include the following:
Previous water experience/lessons
Current stage if known
Their ability in the water (Are they comfortable in the water? Are they comfortable with their face being in the water? Can they swim unaided? How far can they swim? What strokes can they swim?
You will receive a confirmation to confirm your email has been received and that you are on our waiting list or be contacted with available times/slots. If you have any other questions, please email us at info@wcsacademy.co.uk.
Let’s Swim!
