One-to-One & Group Swimming Lessons Cardiff

Who we are...

Cardiff's leading private swim school, teaching children from aged 3.5yrs and above.

At Sink or Swim, we understand that learning is not a one size fits all. With decades of experience teaching thousands of children we’ve created our own unique approach to teaching designed to support learners throughout every stage of learning. Through small class sizes, hands-on support, and a focus on both fun and safety, our experienced team help children grow in confidence, build strong swimming skills, and develop a genuine love for the water.

More about us

HOW WE DO IT

What sets us apart?

We’ve spent time perfecting an approach to swimming lessons that ensures the best learning environments for swimmers, while offering convenience and flexibility for busy parents.

Hands On Support

We’re not afraid to get wet! Our instructors are in the water with every foundation wave class providing hands on support and inspiring confidence to learn.

Small Class Sizes

Our group ratios are capped to create environments conducive to learning and guarantee each swimmer gets the most from every lesson.

Ultimate Convenience

Have more than one child or want to swim with friends? Our timetable makes it easy for learners of all abilities to have lessons at the same time.

Viewing Areas

We want you to see the smiles on your child’s faces, so all of our venues have parent viewing areas available for you to watch your swimmers learn.

Flexible Payment Terms

We don’t tie you in to long termly bookings or committed direct debits. You choose to continue our lessons.

Tailored Approach

Our unique approach to teaching supports swimmers at their level, and creates environments focussed on getting the most from every lesson.

Replacement Sessions

Off on holiday or want to celebrate a birthday? Our planned absences and replacement sessions allow the flexibility to reschedule one-off lessons to an alternate time or day.

Online Progress Management

Every swimmer has their own online HomePortal account, allowing parents easy access to manage class bookings or view and track your swimmers progress.

View our lessons

HEAR FROM OUR FANS

Don’t take our word for it...

Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of children learn to swim. But don’t just take our word for it, hear from the parents who’ve seen their little ones grow in confidence, make friends, and pick up valuable life skills along the way.

All my children have learned to swim with Sink or Swim and everything about this swim school is exceptional. I cannot recommend it enough. The classes are small and the management are extremely proactive. I would pick this swim school again without doubt – absolutely first class.

Annabel Hughes

My 4 year old daughter has gained so much confidence and developed her swimming skills very quickly since she started around Easter this year. I’m very impressed with the set up. My daughter always looks forward to her weekly lessons. I highly recommend Sink or Swim.

Elin Kate

We have been using Sink Or Swim for over a decade, putting our 3 children through swimming lessons.SOS are far and away above other providers, with us now travelling from Caerphilly borough to utilise their highly professional and effective swimming lessons. Da Iawn and Diolch!

Victoria Latham

Sink or Swim is THE best swimming school ever. Taught all 3 of my children to swim with all 3 progressing onto Cardiff city swimming club. Bethan my daughter now teaches at Sink or Swim and loves working alongside Rhys and his fabulous team of instructors. 😊

Johanna Witchell

I’ve had two children complete their swimming lessons with Sink or Swim. They’re both confident, strong swimmers who love swimming. They now attend the Sink or Swim swim club, which is fun, sociable and great for fitness as they become teenagers. Thank you!

Claire M

My daughter loves her swimming lessons here! She can be really apprehensive about new experiences and environments but Chloe and all the other teachers have been absolutely brilliant with her. Her confidence in the water and in general has improved so much since starting.

Leighton Thompson

Both our kids love their lessons at sink or swim. The teachers are so patient with them and they’re growing in confidence all the time. Being able to reschedule a lesson when you’re away is a big plus and it’s convenient that they’re both in the pool at the same time.

Will H

My children developed incredibly well at SOS with a great understanding of all 4 swim strokes, diving/pool entry, water safety and much more! The lessons were fun and catered well to their age range and BIG BONUS the pool was warm!! Changing facilities and parking were great and customer service brilliant. Highly recommend.

Rebecca Clements

We’ve been so impressed with Sink or Swim. Friendly and professional, and our kids swimming keeps on improving. Our son is also autistic and they’ve been able to support and handle him really well.

David Woods

View all testimonials

BOOK YOUR LESSON

Explore Our Popular Lessons

Group Lessons

Our Wave group lessons provide a structured and supportive environment where swimmers enjoy the fun and motivation of learning alongside others. Suitable for children aged 3.5 years and up, our group classes cater to all abilities from complete beginners taking their first steps into the water to intermediate or advanced swimmers continuing their swimming journey.

Dive in

One-2-One Lessons

One-2-One lessons, available for swimmers aged from 3+ years and suited to all standards of swimmer, offer a focussed, fully tailored and distraction-free way to learn. Each session is adapted to the swimmer’s individual needs and pace, perfect for beginners building confidence or advanced swimmers looking to refine strokes and skills.

Dive in

BOOST Intensive Courses

Our BOOST Intensive Courses are designed to accelerate progress by increasing frequency and consistency over a short period. Available during school holidays, we offer a range of intensive lesson formats from 1-hour Group Crash Courses, daily One-2-One lessons, or specialist Strokes & Skills Masterclasses, all created to give swimmers that extra push in ability and confidence.

Dive in

Answers To Your Top Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a class?

All class bookings are made online through our customer HomePortal. You can access this via the ‘Book Now’ button found at the top of this page or for a simpler, more user friendly experience you can view the availability for the specific Wave class you require via the options found on our ‘Term-Time Lessons’ page.

Top Tip: When viewing class availability please remember to use the filter menu to narrow your search by location, Wave level or day. If you experience any diﬃculties finding your desired class then please get in touch at Hello@sinkorswimcardiﬀ.com.

We’re happy to help.

At what age should my child learn to swim?

Children are typically introduced to structured swimming lessons around the age of 3.5 - 5yrs old. However, some programs oﬀer earlier introductory aquatic experiences for babies and young children with an adult present. The earlier that a child experiences being in and around water the easier they will find it to develop their aquatic skills

How do I pay for lessons?

All lessons are paid for at the time of booking through our secure online payment system. To book a new class, simply choose your preferred lesson and complete the online checkout. For top-ups, follow the link in your top-up email or access it directly through your HomePortal.

Should I do Group or One-2-One lessons?

The choice really depends on your personal circumstances and what you want to achieve from the lessons.

1:1 lessons Are more expensive but oﬀer a highly tailored experience. They focus entirely on the individual swimmer, with no distractions or downtime, making them ideal for building confidence in anxious swimmers or working on specific skills. Group lessons Are a more budget-friendly op:on making them more accessible for most families. They oﬀer the added benefit of social interaction, allowing swimmers to learn from and with their peers. To ensure a quality learning experience, our group sizes are capped according to the swimmers’ ability levels. Both formats have their strengths—it’s about finding what’s right for your child.

How many swimmers are in each class?

Our unique three-phase approach, Foundation, Development and Endurance, uses tailored class sizes and durations to ensure the most effective learning environment at each stage:

30 Minute Classes

Foundation - Wave 1, 2 & 3 classes accept up to a maximum of 4 swimmers per class.

Development - Wave 4 & 5 classes accept up to a maximum of 6 swimmers per class.

45 Minute Classes

Development - Wave 6 classes accept up to 8 swimmers per lane.

Endurance - Wave 7 & 8 classes accept up to 8 swimmers per lane.

1 hour - CLUB sessions accept up to 10 swimmers per lane

View all FAQs

BENEFITS OF SWIMMING

Why swimming matters?

Reasons why you should learn to swim are many and varied, but here is why we think it’s as much an essential life skill as learning to read or write.

Safety

Swimming is more than a sport, it’s a vital life skill. Learning from an early age gives children lifelong health and social benefits, while also teaching them how to stay safe in and around water. With drowning still one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, swimming lessons provide not just confidence and enjoyment, but a skill that could one day save their life.

Health & Wellbeing

Swimming is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for both body and mind. It strengthens the heart and lungs, builds full-body strength and flexibility, enhances stamina and even improves balance and posture. Once learned, swimming becomes a skill that lasts a lifetime, and one of very few that is accessible no matter your shape, ability or age. Even swimmers over 100 years old still take to the pool, proving it’s truly a lifelong skill.

Access & Inclusivity

Water is all inclusive and swimming is an activity for everyone, welcoming all ages, sizes, and abilities. From babies to bampi’s, toddlers to teens, it provides a fantastic opportunity for children to make friends, build confidence, and stay active in a supportive environment. Plus, the water’s natural buoyancy makes it a low-impact activity that’s gentle on the joints and carries very little risk of injury.

Key to Aquatic Sports

From surfing, sailing, and paddleboarding to triathlon, water polo, kayaking, and even cliff diving, swimming is the key to endless adventures. Whether at home or on holiday, exploring beaches, lakes, aqua-parks, or maybe even swimming with dolphins, the ability to swim unlocks a world of exciting sports, activities, and unforgettable experiences.

Why not book a BOOST?

Our BOOST Intensive Courses offer a range of intensive learning programmes created to accelerate learning and give swimmers an extra push in their ability and confidence over short periods of time.

Book your BOOST

From toe-dippers to tumble-flippers

Cardiff's leading private swim school, teaching children from aged 3.5yrs and above.

What sets us apart?

Hands On Support

Small Class Sizes

Ultimate Convenience

Viewing Areas

Flexible Payment Terms

Tailored Approach

Replacement Sessions

Online Progress Management

Don’t take our word for it...

Explore Our Popular Lessons

Group Lessons

One-2-One Lessons

BOOST Intensive Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a class?

At what age should my child learn to swim?

How do I pay for lessons?

Should I do Group or One-2-One lessons?

How many swimmers are in each class?

Why swimming matters?

Safety

Health & Wellbeing

Access & Inclusivity

Key to Aquatic Sports

Why not book a BOOST?