294A6425.jpg

Swimming lessons in Bideford & Torrington

Inclusive swimming lessons for all ages & abilities.

Check Availability & Apply

● Small Class Sizes

● Warmer Pools

● Teachers In The Water

● One-to-Ones

● Small Class Sizes ● Warmer Pools ● Teachers In The Water ● One-to-Ones

Smaller swimming class sizes, warmer pools and a teacher in the water.

All Make Waves swimmers receive a comfortable, personalised swimming lesson experience, with the flexibility to work with individual needs.

Led from our purpose built swimming pool facilities in Bideford, our aim is to make everyone comfortable in the water, whatever their age or ability.

We offer a range of swimming classes to cater for all levels, from newborns and their parents bonding in the water for the first time, right through to skilled swimmers looking to fine-tune their swimming technique.

Our team of highly trained and experienced swim instructors also lead lessons in Torrington, offering the same wide range of classes and high quality instruction as our Bideford swimming school.

Our classes

Took my baby along to the 4 weeks of baby bonding sessions, they were brilliant! A great introduction for little ones to the water, instructors were lovely and friendly…

Deana J.

Our swimming instructors teach in the water, not pool-side.

We know that the best way to teach is by being right there when it matters, which is why we do things differently at Make Waves. Our team teaches in the water, offering hands-on guidance, reassurance, and real-time feedback. With this unique approach, our teachers are able to: 

Build trust with their swimmers

Boost water confidence during learning

Provide immediate support where needed

Encourage & support correct technique from the very beginning

Alongside, lessons are overseen by a Make Waves Supervisor from the poolside, keeping everyone safe in the water. Whether it’s a baby’s first splash or a nervous swimmer’s first lesson, the Make Waves team are there, every step of the way.

Our classes

The best! My little girl was terrified of water and she’s now happily putting her face in the water and well on the way to learning to swim. I wouldn't go anywhere else…

Lizzie V.

Smaller class sizes for a focused, more attentive experience.

We purpose designed our swimming facilities to intentionally keep class sizes small - just four swimmers per session, so that every swimmer gets the attention they deserve.

Each of our lessons lasts 30 minutes, allowing for focused, high-quality instruction without overwhelming learners. Smaller classes mean:

More time for individual attention

Stronger teacher-swimmer relationships

A calmer and more supportive learning environment

For swimmers who would benefit from more personalised support, we offer one-to-one lessons tailored to individual goals, whether that’s building confidence for future integration into group classes, or focusing solely on developing swimming skills and technique.

This personalised approach ensures every swimmer receives the attention and encouragement they deserve, often resulting in faster skill progression and greater confidence in the water.

Our classes

Cannot believe how well I did tonight at Make Waves with Heather. I thought I was too old (71) to learn to swim but I was very wrong! So looking forward to next week…

Lesley T.

Warmer pools for building confidence.

We know that comfort is key to building confidence.

Our purpose-built facilities in Bideford were designed specifically for teaching, ensuring a calm, focused space where swimmers can thrive.

Our lessons take place in pools heated to a comforting 32°C, creating a welcoming environment for babies, children and adults alike. Warmer water helps swimmers relax, lowers anxiety, and supports muscle development, particularly important for younger swimmers and beginners.

Outside of the water, heated changing rooms ensure our swimmers stay warm and comfortable before and after every lesson, ensuring the entire experience is relaxed and enjoyable from start to finish.

Our classes

My girls have so much confidence in the water now since starting lessons, Heather has done wonders with them, now my son has just started and he loved every minute of it.

Karen S.

A Swim School led by experts since 2013.

Founded by Heather Matthews, whose swimmer-centred approach to lesson delivery is rooted in love, care and deep respect for every learner. With support from Jac, Make Waves quickly earned a reputation for exceptional teaching in a supportive environment across North Devon. As demand grew, so did the vision: A purpose-built swim school designed specifically for high-quality swim education.

In 2019, partnership with Tina Haigh helped realise these ambitions. As former Vice President of The Swim Coordinators Association of Western Australia and manager of one of the region’s largest swim schools, Tina brought international leadership experience and programme expertise to Make Waves, supporting our purpose-built facilities to open in Bideford in 2021.

Carefully designed with swimmer focused features often overlooked in traditional pools, our Bideford swim school includes in-pool platforms, optimised pool temperatures and thoughtful design elements that enhance swimmer’s comfort, confidence and progression.

Today, Heather and Tina lead the growing Make Waves team with professionalism and passion. Their commitment to excellence shapes a curriculum that ensures each swimmer benefits from expert guidance, structured progression and a nurturing environment to build lifelong confidence and skill in the water.

Choose your class:

Give the gift of swimming.

Our swimming vouchers are redeemable on swimming lessons at Make Waves Swim School at either of our pools, Bideford or Torrington.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We’ve got a dedicated swim school in Bideford, alongside our renowned Nursery facilities and Play Centre.

    We also offer lessons from Town Mills pool in Torrington.

  • Yes, we have spaces for all ages and abilities. Take a look at our classes and register your interest, and one of our team will be in touch.

  • Take a look at our classes to check our swimming availability for a class that’s right for you.

    Complete your details and we’ll provide details of the classes most suited for you to get started.

  • Absolutely, but all non-toilet trained swimmers must follow the double nappy rule.

    • Base layer of a swim nappy or re-useable version.

    • Top layer of a cuffed neoprene style short.

    Please speak to the team if you need more guidance.

  • Yes, for everyone’s comfort, in the pool, swimmers to have long hair tied up.

    Swimmers aged 3 years and up must also wear a swim hat.