6 months - 5 years

At this stage of the learn to swim journey the Swim and Survive program focuses on water familiarisation, enjoyment and development of elementary skills required prior to independent participation. Swim and Survive aims to build strong foundation skills required to develop more complex gross motor skills. Focusing on foundation skills makes progression faster down the track

Features

• Ages from 6 months to 3 years
• In-water parent or carer participation & Independent participation
• Learn through play, games and fundamental movement skills
• Learn and develop fundamental movement skills
• Transition level for less confident

What will my child learn?

• Entering and exiting the water safely
• Floating on their front and back, recovering and orientating the body independently
• Orientating their body using rotation skills
• Moving through the water using kicking and arm actions
• Gliding, kicking and propulsion skills
• Breathing skills
• Submerging under water
• Safety rules for participating in lessons
• Foundation swimming strokes
• Elementary survival skills
• Identifying dangers, people who can help and ways to get help
• Social skills for interacting with peers and the teacher

Safety and inclusivity for all children

We encourage everyone to get involved. No matter their ability, everyone can participate and learn. Children will learn at their own pace and teachers will guide you along the way. The aim is to build confidence, become mobile and above all have fun! Small size classes help to keep everyone involved and safe.

Parent and carer involvement

Parents and carers are an integral part of children’s aquatic education and, at these early ages, in-water parent and carer participation is necessary not only for safety but to provide support and guidance through activities to get maximum value from lessons.

Parent and carer involvement is a massive factor for children’s enjoyment and engagement in the learning process as well as their skill progression and achievement. The best way to do this is to be actively involved and get wet!

Cheer from the sidelines

Preschool age children who have been participating regularly in swimming lessons or who have progressed from infant and toddler lessons, can participate independently with the teacher.

Preschool age children love showing off their skills throughout lessons so even though parents and carers are not in the water, they have an important role to play in acknowledging small achievements and providing encouragement and emotional support.

Not quite ready for independent participation?

Rest assured for those children that have little or no experience and are nervous, we have a transition level with parent and carer involvement until they are ready to move to the independent stage.