This class is the ideal opportunity to introduce your baby to the aquatic environment through the use of rhymes and activity. Such skills as submerging, floating and the promotion of movement through water are developed.
We believe that there are many advantages in starting children at this age both physically and mentally. The three most important being:
We emphasise to parents that by joining this part of our program they are not absolving themselves of the responsibility of being contstantly vigilant when they are near back yard swimming pools. These youngsters may be much safer than children who have not had the good fortune to have had this tuition, but they should never be placed in a situation where they are in this danger in the first place.
Major Milestones
Tadpoles
Frogs
The aim of this class is to teach toddlers to enjoy the water and gain respect for the aquatic environment.
Children will be introduced to skills including freestyle and backstroke kicking with a pod board, paddling, breath control, submerging, basic floats, and jumping into the water with recovery to the surface. Goggles may be used for submersion skills for part of the class, however, for certain sections of the class we suggest that swimmers attempt these skills without the use of goggles.
Flotation aids are used for the majority of the class but swimmers are encouraged to practice skills without floats under instructor supervision for part of the class.
Our goal is for children to be able to swim 10m without floats before progressing to the Penguin or Seal class.
The Penguin class is an introduction to movement in water. The emphasis is on water awareness, breath control, submerging, freestyle and backstroke kicking with a pod board, streamlining and deep water skills. This is conducted in a relaxed, fun environment with the use of creative teaching aids.
Once the required skill level is achieved, the pupil will be assessed for promotion to the Seal class
The Seal class introduces streamlining, freestyle kicking with and without a pod board (torpedo), freestyle arms and kicking, and backstroke kicking with a pod board, as well as an extension of deep water skills.
Once the required skill level has been achieved, the pupil will be assessed for promotion to the Starfish class.
This class is for children who have graduated from the Seal class. These classes build on skills learned in the Seal class and introduce freestyle breathing, full freestyle with the pod board and full Backstroke with the pod board.
Once the required standard is achieved the pupil is assessed for promotion to Marlin.
This class builds on Freestyle and Backstroke skills, with an emphasis on more work without a pod board. Chain swimming is introduced to encourage children to swim 10m distances, working hard on breathing techniques and stamina.
Once the required skill level is achieved the pupil is assessed for promotion to Dolphin.
The Dolphin class is held at the deeper end of the main pool in a larger class area. Far greater emphasis is placed on technique in Freestyle and Backstroke.
Breaststroke arms are also introduced, and a higher degree of fitness is encouraged by having the pupil swim greater distances.
Dolphin swimmers are encouraged to attempt the State Swim Challenge.
Classes will vary depending on individual Swim Schools, check with your school to see which Dolphin class format is offered.
The Bluefin class introduces the swimmer to the remainder of Breaststroke - kicking and breathing, as well as continuing to develop both Freestyle and Backstroke in terms of technique and stamina.
Once the required standard is achieved, the pupil is promoted to Kingfish.
Bluefin swimmers are encouraged to attempt the State Swim Challenge.
This class is not offered at all State Swim schools - check with your school for further details
When the pupil progresses to the Kingfish class the emphasis is placed on all four strokes. Freestyle turns are introduced. Each swimmer is required to swim a number of 'laps' at each session and the fitness level of each swimmer dramatically improves. Kingfish class is a real achievement for any youngster.
Graduates of Kingfish move into the Superfish class. The emphasis is on refining techniques in all strokes.
Swimmers learn the swimming 'rules of the road', how to swim in larger groups, and how swimming can improve general health and all round fitness.
Superfish can now be examined for the '400 Platinum'.
This class is the initial introduction to large class tuition. The skills of circle swimming, pace clock use and more advanced stroke and turn technology are introduced.
It is a very important grade in the 'strong swimmer' program and one that every pupil will enjoy.
Now's the time to be a 'State Swim Challenger'.
Graduates of Stingrays are encouraged to move into Aquajets squad where youngsters have a wonderful opportunity to receive tuition with a group of swimmers of similar age and ability and with a team of coaches on the pool deck.
Team disciplines are developed as well as learning to work with other people in a sporting atmosphere.
We strongly recommend that every graduate of the school be given the opportunity of spending at least 6 months in Aquajets.
You will notice a dramatic improvement in general fitness of your son or daughter as they swim longer distances at every one hour session of Aquajets.
Now's the time to be a 'State Swim Challenger'.
In this squad level the techniques developed in Aquajets are consolidated and new skills are introduced in each of the four strokes. The goals of this group are:
Depending on the type of session this group will swim between 1800m - 2500m. Fitness sessions, for example will cover a greater distance in comparison to a sprint session.
Now's the time to be a 'State Swim Challenger'.
Each school holidays State Swim runs our Swimvac Program. This is an intensive block of lessons run in conjunction with our Learn to Swim program. Your child will attend a class each day over one or more weeks.
Having the same fully qualified instructor monitoring and encouraging your child's progress over the course of each week ensures optimum results.
The Swimvac program is especially beneficial for the new swimmer as well as children striving to achieve their next goal within our Learn to Swim program.
Classes offered, session times and pricing will appear in your school's home page Latest News section 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the school holidays.
Please note: Swimvac is an additional program and our Learn to Swim program continues as normal throughout the school holidays.
This class is not offered at all State Swim schools - check with your school for further details
These classes are aimed at improving co-ordination and mobility, self-confidence and performances in school carnivals and Tri-athalons etc. and are held on weekends.
Most adults never had the opportunities that parents are able to give their children today, and as a result never received good swimming tuition at a modern swimming school.
Physical educationalists and medical practitioners have now realised the great benefits that swimming and exercise in water can give to the older body. Swimming is recognised as the most beneficial cardiovascular and muscular joint mobility exercise possible.
Our Adult programme is given a high priority and is very popular at each school We have classes for all stages from the very nervous beginner to the most advanced swimmers who are looking for 'lap' swimming to improve general health and fitness.
As an added incentive, we encourage swimmers in our Adult Program to make an attempt at the 'State Swim Challenge', a real testimony to their determination to achieve!
Whether you are starting a personal fitness program or have an injury that requires water exercise, our lap swimming program ticks all the boxes. Warm water, lane allocations catering for fast, medium and slower swimmers, convenient locations and times that fit in with your busy lifestyle. Contact your school or select adult/lap program on your school's home page for lap swimming times and payment options.
In-water exercise is beneficial for young and old and suited to all fitness levels. Our warm aquatic environment is gentle on joints, reducing the risk of injury whilst providing an effective and enjoyable workout. This form of exercise is particularly suited to those with existing injuries or arthritis sufferers. This program gives you the opportunity to work to your own level of fitness but inspires you to achieve your own personal goals. Get fit and have fun!!! Contact your local school or select adult/lap program on your school's home page for class times and payment options.
This program is aimed at the more advanced swimmer. Providing motivation and support by way of individually tailored programs and the added benefit of having a supervisor on pool deck to assist with stroke correction and the achievement of personal fitness goals. Contact your school or select adult/lap program on your school's home page for class times and payment options.
Private lessons can be a valuable learning tool in circumstances including:
Individual classes are offered to both children and adults.
Please note that Private Lessons are not offered at all schools and are subject to time and teacher availability. Check the programs offered on your school's home page and contact us for further details.
The State Swim Challenge is a fresh and energised event with a focus on encouraging and recognising achievement in an innovative way.
Our aim is for every child to demonstrate strength and confidence in the water by being able to swim 400m continuous freestyle before leaving primary school. Swimmers in our adult program are also encouraged to take up the Challenge (Ask at reception for further details). Swimmers from Dolphin upwards are able to attempt the Challenge - a non-stop freestyle swim of either; 50 Bronze, 100 Silver, 200 Gold or 400 Platinum.
All successful first time swimmers will be introduced on the State Swim Dais (complete with inspiring theme music), receive a medal and time card and have their photo taken in recognition of their achievement!! These photos will be displayed at the Swim School for a month before being presented to the swimmer as a memento of the event.
There is no limit to the number of attempts a swimmer may make at each level, however, if they wish to receive a medal on each attempt, they must nominate as a 'first time swimmer'.
Swimmers who successfully complete the 400 Platinum will also have the opportunity to be recognised on their schools' Top 100 Honour List.
The State Swim Challenge will be held quarterly at each swim school (check your schools' 'Latest News' for session times). We'll also have displays to give you the latest information and nomination forms will be available from reception.
Be a State Swim Challenger!!!