Swimming at 1610

Here at 1610 we have 2 swimming pools, 1 in Bridgwater and 1 Dorchester for you to dive into. Swimming is a great way to improve fitness, tone up and burn calories and is great for people from all walks of life. You don’t have to be the perfect swimmer to reap the benefits.

Our comprehensive swim programme offers everyone the chance to swim, splash, learn and enjoy. From 6 months up until 90 years old, from Mother and Baby Toddler Sessions to Adult Swimming Lessons our swim pathway will help you progress to where you want to be.

We have sessions for everyone from fun sessions to general swimming to traditional lane sessions and everything in between. Swimming isn’t just about swimming length after length, if you want more variety or you want to use swimming as a tool for achieving your fitness goals have a look at our swim fit sessions or Aqua Hiit or if you need to improve your stroke come along to our swimming lessons (for adults and children).

Families are always at the heart of what we offer so you'll be free to splash about with the kids at one of the family inflatable sessions or pool parties. For the aspiring teenager looking to start a career in leisure you too can take the plunge, with one of our lifeguard courses (check our events page for details of current courses).

Users must be over the age of 8 and a competent swimmer to enter the pool without a parent or guardian. See our Under 8's swim policy for more information.

Our highly trained and skilled swimming instructors ensure our swimming lessons are based on combining learning with fun. We always ensure that you and your child feel absolutely safe with us in the early stages and throughout their swimming journey.

We recognise that all children are individuals with varying needs, and it is important to us that your child progresses through our swim programme at their own pace. We follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway, with the emphasis on developing motor skills and introducing them to water and the poolside environment through fun and games.

It’s our aim that your child should progress through our swim programme at their own pace, but more importantly that they develop a love for being in the water that lasts a lifetime.

All our lessons are run by qualified instructors that run in line with the Swim England guidelines. You can learn how to swim in a small group or have a one to one swimming lesson based on individual requirements.

We offer a direct debit scheme for swimming lessons which includes FREE public swimming* (excluding fun sessions). You can also track your child's progress online using our online portal.

(*available at selected centres)

Daunted by swimming lessons? Go on – take the plunge.

If you are an adult learner, fun may not be the adjective that springs to mind when recalling your childhood lessons, but at 1610 we think that you should enjoy your lessons just as much as our younger pupils. We want you to look forward to your time with us, and feel relaxed as you learn to swim or improve your existing swimming strokes. We can teach anyone to swim from scratch or improve your swimming to a level where you are a strong and confident swimmer, swimming for fitness.

Learn in a small group or have a one to one swimming lesson based on your individual requirements.

Little dippers (parent and toddler session) - start classes with your baby from birth!

When you introduce your baby to swimming early, it prepares them to be confident swimmers later in life. Our classes involve you as well as your child and help your little ones feel really secure whilst they get accustomed to being in the water. The specialist instructors running the sessions make sure they are also a lot of fun. We use various recognised and accredited programmes as a basis for these classes.

In addition to being a great introduction to the water, these classes are also a great way for you to bond with your child, and meet other parents with children of a similar age to yours. Many of our parents say our classes are the social highlight of their week.

Whatever it is, our pools and programmes offer something for everyone to swim, splash, learn and enjoy.

For booking and more information, please follow the links below to find the contact information of your nearest centre.