Getting your child ready for swimming lessons doesn't need to involve buying lots of expensive equipment. The most important things are comfortable, well-fitting swimwear, suitable goggles and a towel.
At Elites Swimming, we keep things simple. Our teachers recommend practical swimwear that allows children to move freely and concentrate on developing their confidence and technique in the water. We also provide the swimming equipment needed during lessons, so there's no need to purchase floats, kickboards or other training aids.
Whether your child is preparing for their first session or progressing through our children's swimming lessons, this guide explains what to bring, which swimwear styles work best and what to consider when choosing swimming accessories.
What Does Your Child Need for Swimming Lessons?
For regular swimming lessons at Elites Swimming, children only need a few essentials.
Swimming costume or shorts: Comfortable, close-fitting swimwear that allows unrestricted movement.
Goggles: A suitable pair that fits securely and comfortably.
Towel: To dry off and keep warm after swimming.
Elites Swimming hat: Provided when your child signs up, and worn during lessons.
All swimming equipment used during lessons is provided by us, so parents do not need to purchase additional training aids.
We aim to make preparing for swimming lessons straightforward, allowing children to arrive ready to learn without unnecessary equipment.
If you're preparing for your child's first session, our guide to enrolling your child in swimming lessons offers further advice on getting started.
Choosing the Right Swimming Costume for Girls
For girls, choose a one-piece swimming costume rather than a bikini.
What to Look for in a Girls' Swimming Costume
When choosing a costume, consider the following:
- The costume should fit comfortably without slipping or needing frequent adjustment.
- Children should be able to move their arms, shoulders and legs easily.
- Straps should stay in place without digging into the shoulders.
- Swimwear designed for regular pool use can be a practical choice for weekly lessons.
Children do not need specialist competitive swimming costumes for ordinary lessons. A comfortable, practical one-piece is usually sufficient.
Choosing the Right Swimming Shorts for Boys
For boys, choose short, close-fitting swimming shorts that do not extend beyond the knees.
Long, loose-fitting board shorts are generally less suitable for swimming lessons because excess material can create additional drag in the water.
What to Look for in Boys' Swimming Shorts
Choose shorts that offer:
- A comfortable and secure fit around the waist.
- A length that finishes above the knee.
- Enough flexibility for kicking and leg movements.
- Lightweight material suitable for swimming.
- Minimal excess fabric that could restrict movement.
The priority is practical swimwear that supports learning rather than a particular style or brand.
Does My Child Need a Swimming Hat?
Yes. We provide every swimmer with an Elites Swimming hat when they sign up, which all swimmers wear during lessons.
Swimming hats are useful for keeping longer hair contained and reducing distractions while swimming. They can also help prevent loose hair from interfering with goggles or a swimmer's vision.
How to Choose Swimming Goggles for Children
Goggles are one of the most useful accessories for children's swimming lessons.
A suitable pair can help children see more clearly underwater and feel more comfortable when practising swimming techniques.
However, not all goggles fit in the same way. Choosing the right pair is more important than choosing the most expensive option.
What Makes a Good Pair of Children's Swimming Goggles?
When shopping for goggles, look for these features:
- Comfortable eye seals: Soft seals should sit securely around the eyes without causing discomfort.
- Adjustable straps: These help achieve a suitable fit as your child grows.
- Appropriate sizing: Children's goggles are generally designed for smaller faces.
- Anti-fog lenses: These can help maintain visibility during lessons.
- Secure fit: Goggles should remain in position during normal swimming movements.
A useful way to check the fit is to gently position the goggles over your child's eyes without using the strap. They should form a light seal without needing excessive pressure.
Avoid overtightening the strap to compensate for poorly fitting goggles. If they continually leak or cause discomfort, another design may be more suitable.
Should Children Wear Goggles for Every Swimming Activity?
Goggles are useful for regular swimming practice, but children should also gradually become familiar with water around their face and eyes.
This is an important part of developing water confidence and learning how to respond when goggles are unavailable or become dislodged.
If your child dislikes wearing goggles, speak to their teacher rather than forcing them to use an uncomfortable pair.
Recommended Swimming Brands for Children
Parents often ask whether they need to purchase a particular brand of swimwear or goggles.
Our requirements focus on fit, comfort and practicality rather than expensive products. Several established swimming brands offer children's swimwear and accessories worth considering.
Speedo
Speedo is a well-known swimming brand offering children's costumes, swimming trunks, jammers and goggles.
Its range includes practical options for regular swimming lessons, with different fits and designs available for younger swimmers.
When choosing Speedo products, look for comfortable training swimwear and age-appropriate goggles rather than specialist racing equipment.
Zoggs
Zoggs offers swimming costumes, shorts, goggles and accessories for children.
The brand has a range of junior goggles with different shapes and adjustable fittings, which may be useful when trying to find a comfortable option.
As with any brand, it is worth checking the fit before relying on a particular model.
Arena
Arena produces swimwear and accessories for recreational and competitive swimming.
Its junior swimwear and goggles may be suitable for children attending regular lessons, particularly those looking for close-fitting, practical designs.
More advanced racing products are not necessary for children who are just beginning swimming lessons.
Do Expensive Swimming Brands Make a Difference?
Not necessarily.
A comfortable, well-fitting swimming costume or pair of goggles from a reasonably priced range can be perfectly suitable for weekly lessons.
When choosing between products, prioritise:
- Correct sizing.
- Comfortable materials.
- Secure fit.
- Freedom of movement.
- Suitability for regular swimming pool use.
Children grow quickly, so there is little benefit in spending heavily on specialist equipment before it is needed.
Does My Child Need Armbands, Floats or Other Swimming Equipment?
No. Elites Swimming provides all the swimming equipment needed during lessons.
Parents do not need to purchase armbands, floats, kickboards or other teaching aids for their child's regular sessions.
Our teachers use appropriate equipment as part of their lesson activities, depending on the swimmer's stage of development and the skills being taught.
Are Armbands Necessary for Beginner Swimming Lessons?
Armbands and other buoyancy aids can provide flotation support in certain circumstances, but they are not a substitute for swimming ability or adult supervision.
They may also affect body position and movement, which is why they should not automatically be used for every swimming activity.
For structured lessons, it is best to follow the teacher's guidance on which equipment is appropriate.
At Elites Swimming, parents can leave the teaching equipment to our team.
What Should You Avoid Bringing to Swimming Lessons?
Keeping your child's swimming bag simple can help make lessons easier to prepare for.
For regular lessons at Elites Swimming, there is generally no need to bring:
- Bikinis or two-piece costumes for girls.
- Long, loose swimming shorts that extend beyond the knees for boys.
- Personal armbands or buoyancy aids.
- Kickboards or other training equipment.
- Specialist racing equipment.
- Unnecessary swimming toys or accessories.
If your child has a particular concern about swimwear or equipment, contact the team before their lesson for guidance.
Why Comfortable Swimwear Matters for Swimming Technique
The right swimwear will not automatically improve swimming ability, but it can help children move comfortably and concentrate during lessons.
Poorly fitting costumes, loose shorts or uncomfortable goggles may become distractions, especially for beginners who are still developing their confidence.
At Elites Swimming, our teaching approach places particular importance on correct technique and structured progression.
We use our own bespoke award and criteria syllabus, developed using experience gained through competitive swimming. This allows us to introduce important skills at appropriate stages, including more advanced practices earlier in the learning journey to support continued progression.
Comfortable, practical swimwear complements this approach by allowing swimmers to focus on the movements and skills they are learning.
You can discover more about our background and philosophy on our About Elites Swimming page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child wear to their first swimming lesson?
Girls should wear a comfortable one-piece swimming costume, while boys should wear suitable swimming shorts that do not extend beyond the knees. Children should also bring goggles and a towel. An Elites Swimming hat is provided when they sign up.
Are bikinis suitable for swimming lessons?
No. Girls need to wear one-piece swimming costumes rather than bikinis. A secure, comfortable one-piece is more practical for structured swimming activities.
Should I buy armbands for my child's lessons?
No. Elites Swimming provides all equipment required during lessons, including appropriate teaching aids. Parents do not need to purchase armbands or other flotation equipment.
Which swimming goggles are best for beginners?
The best goggles are those that fit your child comfortably and securely. Brands such as Speedo, Zoggs and Arena offer junior options, but fit is more important than brand name or price.
Get Ready for Swimming Lessons With Elites Swimming
Preparing for swimming lessons should be simple. With comfortable swimwear, well-fitting goggles and a towel, your child will have the main essentials they need.
If you're preparing to enrol your child, explore our children's group swimming lessons or find out more about our private swimming lessons for children.
You can also contact Elites Swimming if you have questions about what your child should bring, lesson availability or choosing the right class.