We understand that attending a new club and swimming pool can be daunting but we hope that won’t deter you. Below are frequently asked questions, which we hope provide you with answers and comfort.
You can find specific FAQ’s related to WeSwim Old Street here.
If you have a question that isn’t covered then please contact tash@weswim.club or dan@weswim.club.
No, you don’t need to have any experience. This could be your first time going to a pool. We can help you. Even just bobbing using floats can be relaxing. Or you can do physio exercises along the side of the pool. We have volunteers on hand to give you encouragement and support in the water.
Swimwear (we suggest not a bikini to avoid making others feel uncomfortable), towel, toiletries, money for the locker.
We welcome people with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities. If you face barriers due to your disability and will benefit from the supportive cocoon of water, you are welcome to join us.
We charge £2 per session. This is taken by card payments at the pool. If you don’t have access to a debit card, or would find it hard to pay £2, please speak to us.
You will not need to make any additional payment to access the swimming. The only payment you will need to make is the £2 to WeSwim.
No, unfortunately not. Our volunteers are not trained in personal care. If you need assistance with getting dressed or undressed, you will need to bring a carer or family member. There are some unisex changing rooms if your carer is a different gender.
No. They are there to support you, give you suggestions and ideas to get the most out of your swim sessions but cannot give you formal swim coaching. If you are interested in competitive swim coaching, tell us and we can direct you to a club that can help get you on the para swim pathway.
No, our volunteers do not have training in lifting. If you need to be lifted, please bring a carer, who is capable of lifting as required.
We appreciate appropriate storage of wheelchairs is important. We can keep wheelchairs poolside, but you must ensure the breaks are on and the power is off if it is electric. If you use a walking aid it is ok to bring this poolside with you.
The water temperature will be governed by the host swimming pool and will be set as per recommended guidelines. Unfortunately we are unable to request custom temperatures.
Our volunteers commit to coming regularly, but will be moved around who they work with. Whilst we hope you build a friendship with a few, they will be rotated and you won’t have the same person every week.
Word of mouth is the best way to get fantastic volunteers, so please do spread the word. They will be more than welcome, but we will need to perform a DBS check and carry out training before they can join.
They can find out more information and apply to become a volunteer here.
Absolutely but we do have a limit to the number of swimmers we can support each week, so need to book you onto sessions in advance. If you have said you will come, and then can’t make it, please give us as much notice as possible, so that someone else can take your slot.
Unfortunately we cannot offer this at the moment.
WeSwim work with swimmers over the age of 18 years old. There are other clubs in London that provide services to children.