Are you looking for toddler or pre-school swimming in Wimbledon this Spring? Our 2026 Easter 1:1 Crash Courses (April 7-10) and Summer Term Saturday Lessons are now open for booking! These courses use the gentle, expert-led methods discussed in this interview.
Internationally renowned infant swimming expert, Mr Terje Stakset, talks to Marjan Moosavi, founder of South West London’s Blue Wave Swim School, about the soaring popularity of baby and toddler swimming.
Terje has been teaching swimming to babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers (0-5 year olds) since 1989. His “Swim with Love” philosophy is the foundation of how we teach at Blue Wave Swim School today.
The first three years are the most important for physical and emotional development. Re-creating the warm water environment of the womb brings security and happiness to babies, while scientifically helping the overall growth of children.
Yes. The foundation of learning to swim is instilling a love of water. Through Parent & Child classes, toddlers learn the comfort levels necessary to transition seamlessly into formal stroke development.
A child who starts as a baby or toddler learns a trusting relationship with water. Building water confidence—breath control, floating, and kicking—gives them a massive head start.
Expert Tip for Pre-schoolers: Kids usually start to swim independently around age three. A water-confident four-year-old who has already mastered bubbles and floating will progress much faster in our 1:1 crash courses than a beginner starting from scratch.
For toddlers and pre-schoolers, we use a structured play approach. We introduce activities like jumping in and kicking on their front and back through songs and rituals. This builds the strength needed for our Saturday Summer Term lessons.
By the end of a term, a toddler should be:
If your toddler or pre-schooler is ready to move toward independent swimming, our Easter 1:1 Crash Courses in Wimbledon are the perfect bridge.
🗓 Dates: 7th April – 10th April 2026
📍 Location: Wimbledon College
✅ Best for: Building rapid confidence and independent movement.
Book Easter 1:1 Crash Course Online
A good swim school with professional staff
Easter 2021 Crash Course
Various lockdowns have held back my daughter’s swimming development so we opted for a crash 4 day course over Easter and she has come away from it much more confident and with a recognisable stroke as opposed to doggy paddle!
April 19, 2021, www.yell.com
Although I have only attended two lessons, Marjan’s bubbly personality makes you feel instantly at ease. During the lessons, the pool was not very busy which is a good thing (as opposed to public pools) for those who are anxious.
I would strongly recommend to adults who have experienced trauma with water at a certain time in their lives.
November 24, 2020, www.yell.com
My son has been going to swimming lessons at Blue Wave in Wimbledon for a few years now and thoroughly enjoys it. The teaching is great and the lessons well run. Helps to prepare him for when we finally get to go on holiday again!
September 26, 2020, www.yell.com
Highly Recommended
My son went to improve his swimming technique and found his instructor very helpful, very kind and patient. The school itself is very welcoming and feels safe for all the children who go there. I would highly recommend it.
August 23, 2019, www.yell.com
Excellent results
My son is 4 years-old and we were looking for weekend swimming classes in a nice environment that could bring good results. After some research we chose Blue Wave Swim. Our son has been having private lessons since the end of 2018 and he is progressing very well. We believe the professionalism of the team, the clean and tidy infrastructure, and the good care of the management are contributing for his development and confidence in the water. Thank you very much Blue Wave Swim!
August 23, 2019, www.yell.com
Awesome!
I am grateful to Marjan and her team at Blue Wave Swim for their hard work and for promoting happiness and enjoyment in swimming. It is amazing to watch the lessons, see the attention, the encouragement and the support the children receive. I have been impressed with my daughters’ progress and the fact that they love attending their classes and learning a vital life skill. Thank you very much. Great job!
August 23, 2019, www.yell.com
Superb Swimming School in Wimbledon
My daughter, who is now 7 years old, started with blue wave two years back and we have been very happy with her progress at the school. Initially we started with group lessons but once she got comfortable in water we moved her to semi private lessons, which made a lot of difference in her ability to learn swimming. As part of the smaller group she is better bonded with other children in the group and gets more attention from the swimming instructor, which is helping her advance her swimming skills. During her 2 years with blue wave, swimming instructors for my daughter have changed and while continuity in learning was maintained, I think this could have been managed better. Needless to say, she still goes and enjoys her time here and looks forward to her class every week. Overall we are very pleased with Blue Wave and would recommend them without any hesitation.
August 23, 2019, www.yell.com
Highly recommend
Highly recommend this swimming school. My daughter has been attending since she was 1 years old and she loves it. The teachers are very good with children and my daughter, who is now 4 years old is very confident in the water.
August 23, 2019, www.yell.com
Great
My daughter loves swimming! Since attending Blue Wave Swim School lessons her water confidence is high and that gives us peace of mind when she is playing near water. The staff are fantastic and the lessons are fun!
August 23, 2019, www.yell.com
