Question 1

Finding the venue

Accepted Answer

Tap the location pin on the website to link to Google maps. 
Address: 
Fitness First Cottons 
Tooley Street
London Bridge 
SE1 2 QN

Access to the venue is down some stairs. These stairs aren't very conspicuous from the street.

Helpful references: 
·      On the opposite side of the Tooley Street is a Star Bucks and Weatherspoon's. 
·      Adjacent to the entrance steps is a Pret

For your very first lesson we'd advise arriving little earlier to get your bearings.

Question 2

What should I bring to my swimming lesson?

Accepted Answer

Swim wear/ Costume 
We would advise all students to wear close fitting swim wear to aid their learning experience. Baggy materials create drag which makes swimming more difficult.
Ladies’ examples: 
·      A simple, modest, well fitted, one-piece costume. 
·      Burqini’s/ Bikini’s/ Tankini’s
·      Lycra leggings (including below the knee). 
·      Short and long sleeve close fitting t-shirts. 
·      Swim dresses. 
Gentleman examples: 
·      Ideally briefs or jammers.
·      Knee length shorts including board shorts.
·      Lycra leggings (including below the knee). 
·      Short and long sleeve close fitting t-shirts. 
The teacher is entitled to refuse admission to the Services if he/she believes Your swimwear to be inappropriate. Examples; Under wear/ Any garment with obscene pictures or slogans/ Denim or heavy garments (including cotton leggings, long flowing clothes, and baggy t-shirts).

Goggles
·       Compulsory. Makes learning much more pleasurable and faster. Goggle guidance available upon request.

Swimming cap/ hat
·       Optional but recommended for those with long hair.

A padlock for your locker
·       Don’t forget a padlock to secure your belongings in the locker.

A towel
·       A towel to dry off after your session. If you don’t have a towel, you can rent one at the venue for £2. Please note that they are not complementary.

For more detailed guidance please read ‘Etiquette’ found under ‘Terms & Conditions’.

Question 3

What's the procedure when I arrive for my lesson?

Accepted Answer

Arrival
·      Aim to arrive at the venue no more than 15 minutes before your lesson. 
·      Introduce yourself to the club reception staff. Let them know you're here for a swimming lesson. They'll ask you to sign in. You will be requested to show your booking confirmation on the LearnToSWIM app (day & time) to the reception staff as proof of booking. They may confirm this against the live booking software.

Changing
·      Change in the changing rooms only. 
·      Arrive and depart the pool via the changing room only.
·      Aim to arrive on poolside and no more than 5 minutes before your lesson. Typically, students don’t like an audience - this helps Us to maintain Our client’s privacy.

Meeting your teacher
·      Meet your teacher on poolside. Your teacher is easy to spot - they'll be wearing a full body black wetsuit.
·      If you arrive on poolside before your teacher, You must wait for them on the poolside seating and not get into the pool.

Question 4

Can I use the other venue facilities?

Accepted Answer

If You're not a member of Fitness First, then access to the venue is for Your swimming lesson only and the changing and showering facilities. Use of all over club facilities (pool, gym, spa area, etc.) is strictly prohibited before or after Your lesson.

Question 5

What should I not bring to my swimming lesson?

Accepted Answer

Anything of value. Like expensive watches or jewellery or work laptops or items of sentimental value. Unfortunately, we are not immune to thieves (albeit rare) and we would hate for you to have anything stolen. Even when padlocked an unscrupulous thief will have ways and means to access the locker. If you can't avoid bringing valuable or important items to your lesson, then please bring them to poolside and they will be safe there. There is CCTV and they can be left adjacent to the lane during your lesson. There is no CCTV in the changing rooms for obvious reasons.

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