Build your child's confidence while having fun at Charlton Lido's Better Swim School. We offer swimming lessons and courses that are affordable and flexible, so every child can learn this essential life skill. With classes available from 3 months – 5 years+, our three-stage junior programme is designed so we can guide your children every step of the way on their swimming journey.
Our Foundation swimming lessons are designed for school-aged kids who are beginners or completely new to swimming. These lessons will teach them how to be safe in and around water.
What will they learn?
Foundation classes consist of 3 levels which swimmers work towards to complete these lessons. They are designed to introduce, develop and master water confidence, essential swimming skills and stroke development techniques.
We believe that children of any age can, and should, learn to swim. That’s why we offer special Foundation classes for older beginners, starting from aged 9 as well as Foundation swimming lessons for teens.
Development classes are a level above Foundation lessons and are for children who already have a good basis of swimming skills and who are able to swim 15m unaided. Like our Foundation classes, these cover various ability levels, ensuring each child feels comfortable.
What will they learn?
Building on what was learnt in Foundation classes, these lessons will cover more swimming essentials including developing technique across all 4 strokes, an introduction to aquatic sports and basic water survival and rescue skills.
The skills your child will learn in these classes will also contribute to them achieving their Bronze, Silver and Gold milestone awards.
The final level of our children’s swimming lessons, Academy classes will help your child develop further and work towards achieving their own personal goals in the pool.
What will they learn?
We want to encourage your children to become confident independent swimmers. So, Academy classes are a lot more focused on self-led progression and advanced safety techniques. This will include setting personal targets, junior lifesaving and personal survival techniques.
We will also work with other partner clubs to assess your child’s ability throughout this course and help them progress in any talent pathway they choose e.g. Diving.
Help your kids stay active and learn a new life skill over the holidays with our Swim School Holiday Courses. These courses are great for children who are new to swimming or for those wanting to improve on their existing water skills. Our lessons are suitable for children 4 years and over. Teaching the essential swimming skills to ensure they learn to be safe in and around water. These courses cover basic techniques for all 4 strokes if you’re a beginner or improving.
Lessons run daily from Monday to Friday*.
To find and book a Swim School holiday short course:
*days and times will be confirmed as you select your booking
Book Holiday Short Course
Our engaging children's swimming lessons take place on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings for all ages and abilities, at affordable prices at Charlton Lido. Not only that, our Swim School helps your child gain confidence and independence in the water while having fun. We also run holiday short courses where children can either learn a new skill, or practice existing ones.
| Class | Day | Time |
| Foundation 4 years & over |
Monday Saturday |
16:00-16:30 11:15-11:45 |
| Development 15 metres plus |
Monday Saturday |
16:30-17:00 10:00-10:30 |
| Development 15 metres plus |
Monday Saturday |
17:00-17:45 10:30-11:15 |
Better's Adult swimming lessons is the swimming programme that caters for all. Whether you want to learn to swim, improve your technique, fitness or train for an event, our Swim Doctors will help make the most of your time in the pool in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Group and 1 to 1 adult swim lessons are also available.
Best for: Confident swimmers looking to improve their fitness
These adult swimming fitness classes are focused on improving your swimming technique to help you stay healthy. Whether you’re training for an event or just want to improve your overall health, these series of drills will help improve your performance and meet new people. Adult Swimming Coaching is currently available for Better members who can book drop-in sessions via the app or Better website.
Best for: Swimming beginners and improvers
Whether you are getting in the pool for the first time or refreshing and improving your swimming skills, come and learn with one of our swim coaches. Our adult swimming lessons are available for members or you can book a drop-in session. Ideal for beginners, with all the basics covered giving you a great foundation for improvement
Pay As You Go Prices
Charlton Lido HFUK & Corporate Member - FREE
Charlton Lido Senior & Swim UK Member - £3.50
Non Member - £13.50
Monthly Membership - £47 This is a direct debit wich allows 1 lesson a week on either Fridays or Saturday and includes swimming at Charlton only. Members on this membership do not need to book for their Adult Swimming lesson.