At Daddy Shark Swim School, we aim to equip children with the skills and confidence to stay safe in and around water. Pyjama Shark Week is a key part of this goal, where children practise swimming and water safety while wearing clothes.

But why do we do this? And how does it impact the children we teach? Below, we share the stories of two of our young swimmers, Arthur and Theo, who put their life-saving skills into practice.

Real-Life Situations Require Real-Life Preparation

Swimming in clothes is very different from swimming in a swimsuit. Clothes are heavier and can make a swimmer feel disoriented or panicked if they fall in unexpectedly. Pyjama Shark Week lets children experience this in a safe environment, helping them build confidence and learn essential survival skills.

Building Confidence Through Fun: the Power of Play

We know some children feel nervous around water, especially when learning to swim or trying new things, like swimming in clothes. That’s why we make every lesson fun, particularly during Pyjama Shark Week.

Using games and activities, we help children relax and feel at ease. This builds their confidence step by step. Nervous swimmers often flourish when they start enjoying their time in the water. This enjoyment helps them engage with critical skills. Pyjama Shark Week is no exception. Whether it’s practising a star float, splashing in pyjamas, or rescuing their teacher from the pool, we ensure every child has a positive experience.

When grown-ups ask how they can help their child’s progress, we give the same advice: take them swimming as often as you can as a family and focus on fun. During Pyjama Shark Weeks, parents see how we build confidence through play, allowing children to take risks at their own pace. For example, they might sit on the big mat while holding the teacher’s hand. Simply playing in water helps develop key skills, and fostering enjoyment makes children more eager to learn. It’s a win-win!

Arthur’s Story: Bravery in Action

Arthur, a four-year-old Stage 1 swimmer, who originally joined Daddy Shark Swim School in one of our Parent and Child lessons, recently fell into a fishing lake while with his family. Although he wasn’t yet swimming independently, Arthur showed incredible bravery. He performed a star float—keeping his chin high—until his mum could rescue him.

Arthur’s calmness can be traced back to his Parent and Child swimming lessons, where he first practised floating in clothes. Weekly practice of floating has helped him master this life-saving skill.

Emma, his teacher, said:

“Arthur wasn’t able to swim independently and was nervous about putting his face in the water. However, he remembered and applied what he was taught about floating on his back. He stayed calm, which allowed his mum to get to him. I’m so proud of him.”

Arthur’s story reminds us why regular swimming lessons, especially those with water safety education, are crucial for drowning prevention. We’re incredibly proud of Arthur for sharing his experience with his friends at nursery and helping them learn from his bravery.

Theo’s Story: Staying Safe on Holiday

Four year old Theo is another one of our four year old Stage 1 swimmers. He joined Daddy Shark Swim School as a baby in one of our Parent and Baby lessons. On holiday recently, Theo drifted past the shallow end marker at the pool. He panicked but remembered what he learned at Daddy Shark Swim School: shout for help and float if you’re in trouble. Theo shouted for help and floated calmly until a nearby guest rescued him. He was out of the water in minutes.

Neil, Theo’s teacher, said:

“Like Arthur, Theo is still learning to swim independently and (unlike Arthur!) he never says a word during lessons. I always teach the children to shout for help as loudly as they can when practising emergency floats. I’m thrilled Theo had the confidence to do this when he needed it most.”

Theo’s quick thinking and use of his safety skills made all the difference. When his parents spoke to him later, he said, “Daddy Shark says always shout for help loud and hold on to something or float.”

Theo’s story shows how the lessons we teach—starting from Parent and Baby classes and practised during Pyjama Shark Week—can be recalled under pressure. This empowers children to protect themselves in real-life situations.

The Foundation of Water Safety: Parent and Child Swimming Lessons

Both Arthur and Theo began their swimming journeys in our Parent and Baby/Child swimming lessons. These early lessons build the foundation for water safety skills. We introduce children to the water in a fun and supportive environment with their parent.

From the start, children practise key skills like floating on their back, holding onto something for safety, and learning safe ways to enter and exit the water. This early exposure helps instil vital water safety habits, preparing children for emergencies.

Arthur and Theo’s stories show how these foundations make a difference. By starting their swimming journey at an early age with parental support, they developed the confidence and skills to stay calm and apply what they’d learned when it mattered.

The Importance of Water Safety

Arthur and Theo’s experiences show how Pyjama Shark Week helps children develop practical water safety skills. These sessions teach them how to float, shout for help, hold on to something, and safely exit the water.

For more information on how to keep your child safe around water, we recommend checking out expert resources on water safety, like the For more information on how to keep your child safe around water, we recommend checking out expert resources on water safety, like the Royal Life Saving Society UK. Their guides provide best practices for every stage of your child’s learning journey.

Making lessons fun helps children learn while developing a positive relationship with the water. Confidence grows through enjoyment. When swimming is something they love, children feel more secure, whether practising safety skills or simply splashing around with friends.

Swimming lessons save lives. Incorporating safety skills like swimming in clothes is a key part of what we do at Daddy Shark Swim School. That’s why we schedule three Pyjama Shark Weeks each year (check our term dates for more details). Arthur and Theo’s stories reinforce the importance of these lessons. We’re proud of both boys for their bravery and for using their skills when it mattered most.

We’ll continue to teach life-saving techniques, combining serious safety training with fun and laughter. Water safety is about preparation, confidence, and keeping children safe.