Our levels
Our structured pathway allows every swimmer to progress at the pace that’s right for them, moving to the next stage when they have confidently mastered the required skills.
Parent and Child Programs
Our Parent and Child program is designed to help young swimmers build water confidence, develop early swimming skills and gradually become more independent in the water. A key benefit is the active role parents and carers play in the water – with you supporting them throughout the lesson, children receive more practice time, more reassurance and more opportunities to repeat skills safely.
All children in Parent and Child classes must wear a Happy Nappy Duo. Available to purchase from reception.
Starfish
Stage 1 — Parent assisted
Class size: 1:7
Age guide: Walking to approximately 2 years 3 months.
Focus: Water confidence, safe and positive first experiences in the pool.
Skills include: Supported floating, assisted movement, safe entries and exits, breath cues, becoming comfortable in the pool environment.
Hermit Crab
Stage 1 — Parent assisted
Class size: 1:7
Age guide: Approximately 2 years 4 months to 3 years 6 months.
Focus: Greater independence, confidence and control in the water.
Skills include: Breath control, supported floating front and back, propulsive skills (paddling and kicking), safe entries and exits, safety skills including falling in and returning to the wall.
Water Confidence and Independence
This is the first independent stage of the Learn to Swim journey, where swimmers participate without a parent or carer in the water. Readiness is based on more than age alone – swimmers should be comfortable separating from their parent or carer, following simple instructions, waiting safely and beginning to develop essential water safety skills.
Blue Rings
Stage 2 — Water confidence
Class size: 1:3
Focus: Building water confidence, safety awareness and independence.
Seahorse
Stage 2 — Water confidence
Class size: 1:3
Focus: Foundation skills for independent swimming.
Skills include: Streamline glides, early arm and leg co-ordination, breath control, floating and key safety skills.
Swimming Foundations
This stage develops the core skills needed for strong, safe and confident swimming.
Clownfish
Stage 3 — Swimming foundations
Class size: 1:4
Focus: Body position, breathing and movement skills that form the foundation of efficient swimming.
Skills include: Body position and balance, breath control, co-ordination and movement patterns forming the foundation of freestyle and backstroke. Key safety skills continue.
Turtle
Stage 3 — Swimming foundations
Class size: 1:4
Age guide: School age
Focus: Introduction to formal swimming strokes.
Skills include: Early freestyle and backstroke technique, body position, kicking, arm movements and breathing as a separate skill.
Stroke Development
This stage focused on refining technique, increasing distance and preparing swimmers to their next stage.
Crocodile
Stage 4 — Stroke development
Class size: 1:4
Age guide: School age.
Focus: Combining stroke components into more complete swimming.
Skills include: Freestyle with breathing, backstroke development, breaststroke kick fundamentals and early butterfly kick.
Seal
Stage 4 — Stroke development
Class size: 1:5
Age guide: School age.
Focus: Stroke refinement and building towards Tiger Sharks.
Skills include: Refining freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, improving co-ordination and control and underwater starts.
Tiger Sharks
Stage 4 — Stroke development
Class size: 1:8
Age guide: School age.
Focus: Final stage of Learn to Swim. 45-minute classes in the 50m pool.
Skills include: Refining stroke technique, building endurance, starts, turns, lane skills and preparing for the next swimming pathway. Swimmers need cap, goggles, drink bottle and long blade fins.
