18/06/2026
Why do we ask children to wear pyjamas in swimming lessons? 👕
Learning to swim isn't just about strokes and confidence in the water - it's also about safety.
By wearing pyjamas during a swimming lesson, children experience what it feels like to be in the water while fully clothed. Wet clothing becomes heavy, can restrict movement, and makes swimming more challenging. This helps children understand the importance of water safety and prepares them for the unlikely event of accidentally falling into water while clothed.
These sessions also give children the opportunity to practise:
✅ Staying calm in an unexpected situation
✅ Floating and treading water while clothed
✅ Safe entry and exit techniques
✅ Building confidence and resilience in the water
It’s always a fun and valuable lesson that helps develop real-life water safety skills alongside swimming ability.
Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK