Learn to Swim Programs

3 years plus

From around three years old and up, babies and toddlers outgrow parent-in-pool classes and go into swimming lessons on their own, without a supervising parent. 

While primarily focused on helping children develop in the pool and continue to learn essential water safety skills, our learn to swim classes are designed for all ages and abilities, including swimming programs for adults. Regardless of age, our goal is to help participants learn how to swim and flourish into competent swimmers in a stress-free, fun and friendly environment. 

In our learn to swim lessons, we teach survival skills at every level and emphasise water safety. Classes at our lower levels dedicate a minimum of 10 minutes per lesson to deep water activities, where we teach treading water, deep water recovery (safety circle) and mobility on front and back until children have achieved 2 minutes treading water.

When developing new skills, we learn by doing, so we make sure our budding swimmers have maximum participation time in every lesson, which helps them progress faster. Your child will be assessed during each class. That way, once they demonstrate proficiency in the skills of that level they can move on to new challenges.

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Wonderbabies 1

Our Wonderbabies 1 classes are designed for babies aged 4-8 months and are the perfect start to babies becoming familiar with the water. They are the building blocks of creating a positive and soothing introduction to the water.

Parents and babies will experience bonding and relaxation, while we gently prepare the little ones for water activities through readiness techniques and baby-led submersions.

Key skills in Wonderbabies 1 include back floating and rollovers. These classes lay the foundation for a lifelong love of swimming and water confidence.

Wonderbabies 2

In our Wonderbabies 2 class, we continue to nurture your baby's love for the water by advancing the skills learned in Wonderbabies 1. This class is all about fostering independence in the water while maintaining a strong focus on safety. We guide babies as they move from relying on cues from their parents to confidently initiating movements and submersions on their own.

One of the key aspects of Wonderbabies 2 is the introduction of safety grips and recovery techniques, which are crucial for your baby’s ability to feel secure and confident in the water. These techniques are taught through gentle, supportive methods that ensure your baby’s safety while encouraging their natural curiosity and ability to explore.

Additionally, we emphasise the importance of learning how to safely enter and exit the water in a variety of ways. These skills are essential for water safety and provide a foundation for future swimming lessons. The variety of entry and exit techniques taught in this class help babies become more comfortable and versatile in the water, giving them the tools they need to navigate different aquatic environments with confidence.

Wonderbabies 2 is designed to be a fun, engaging, and educational experience for both you and your baby, helping to build a strong foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of swimming and water activities.

Wondertots

In our Wondertots classes we focus on developing a strong foundation in essential swimming skills while fostering water confidence and safety. This class introduces key techniques that will support your child's growth as a swimmer and ensure they feel comfortable and secure in the water.

One of the primary skills taught in Wondertots is dog paddle. This fundamental allows young swimmers to move independently through the water, helping them build strength, coordination, and confidence. As they become more comfortable with this stroke, we also introduce kicking on both the front and back. Effective kicking is crucial for propulsion and balance in the water, and mastering these techniques will significantly enhance your child's swimming abilities.

As The Survival Specialists, safety is a core focus in Wondertots, and we introduce safety circles as a critical skill. Safety circles teach children how to turn around in the water and return to the edge of the pool, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to keep themselves safe in various situations. This skill is not only important for their safety but also for their overall swimming competence.

Additionally, we cover treading water, a vital skill that allows swimmers to stay afloat in deeper water without needing to touch the bottom. Treading water enhances your child’s endurance and provides them with the confidence to navigate different depths safely.

Wondertots is an engaging and supportive environment where young swimmers can develop the skills they need to become confident, capable swimmers. Each lesson is designed to be fun and educational, ensuring your child enjoys every moment of their swimming journey.

Level 1

Well Done

Our team is well trained to handle any scenario a nervous beginner can deliver. It’s not unusual for kids uncomfortable with water to have a fear of lessons (and even cry at the thought of lessons). We pride ourselves on being able to turn the most stubborn non-swimmer into a raving fan of the water.

At the completion of level one, kids will have developed a love for their lessons. They can swim safely with aids and while they have a respect for the water, are far less nervous around water. Kids will also have been introduced to a safety circle with aids. This is an important life-saving skill that mirrors what would happen if children were to fall unexpectedly into the water.

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that combines familiarisation and mobilisation on their front and back. Importantly, we dedicate 10 minutes of each 30-minute lesson to focus on deep water survival skills.

Level 2

Superstar

Teaching a child to swim is difficult until they learn to be comfortable under the water. This certificate works on building the confidence to submerge, and developing a strong body position on their front and back.

By the end of this level, kids who may have had a fear of going under the water are able to do so with confidence. They have also begun to develop the skill of treading water with the use of aids as well as being able to float independently with aids.

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that combines familiarisation with mobilisation on their front and back. Importantly, we dedicate 10 minutes of each 30-minute lesson to focus on deep water survival skills.

Level 3

Magnificent

Having gained the confidence to submerge and float (aided) this certificate teaches kids mobility skills on their front and back, as well as developing their survival skills with less aids.

At the completion of level three, kids have developed basic aided kicking and dog-paddle skills and only require one aid for treading water skills.
Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that combines familiarisation with mobilisation on their front and back. Importantly, we dedicate 10 minutes of each 30-minute lesson to focus on deep water survival skills.

Level 4

Amazing

This certificate takes the basic mobility skills of level three and completes the transformation from total beginner (level one) to an amazingly independent swimmer.

Level four kids have the confidence to jump into deep water unaided, recover, tread water for 30 seconds, dog paddle to the edge and climb out. Now, that is amazing! They are also able to fluently kick on both their front and back for 5 metres with one aid!

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that combines familiarisation with mobilisation on their front and back. Importantly, we dedicate 10 minutes of each 30-minute lesson to focus on deep water survival skills.

Level 5

Brilliant

Learning and performing the basics is fundamental to a strong and confident swimming stroke, especially freestyle. This certificate takes kids who have the confidence to swim independently (level four) and helps them develop fundamental freestyle and backstroke skills.

Swimmers are taught correct body position, fluent, effective arm movement, breath regulation, and importantly, a strong kick. We strategically combine parts of the stroke, gradually building their confidence to apply all their learning at once.
By the completion of level five, kids can confidently perform the basics required for building strong backstroke and freestyle.

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that combines mobilisation on their front and back.

Level 6

Excellent

Learning and performing the basics well is fundamental to a strong and confident swimming stroke, especially freestyle. This lesson builds on the basic freestyle strokes learned in level five and focuses on developing these fundamental freestyle skills.

Swimmers are taught correct body position, fluent, effective arm movement, breath regulation and importantly a strong kick. We strategically combine parts of the stroke, gradually building their confidence and teaching them to apply all their learning at once.

By the completion of level six, kids can swim 25m of backstroke, can fluently perform freestyle arm and leg coordination with a board and can tread water for two minutes unaided. This is an EXCELLENT life-saving skill and it is at this point we know children have solid skills that will help make them safer in the water.
Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that combines mobilisation on their front and back

Level 7

Marvellous

Having mastered the fundamental individual parts of freestyle in level six, in this lesson kids put all the pieces together to form basic freestyle.
By the completion of level seven, kids can complete 25m of aided freestyle, 50m of backstroke and we have continued to build their treading water skills so they can now complete three minutes unaided.

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that fine-tunes and improves technique while building the stamina and strength required to swim freestyle over distance.

Level 8

Spectacular

This lesson builds on the basic aided freestyle from level seven and continues to develop each part while making a spectacular transition into basic unaided freestyle.

By the completion of level eight, kids can complete 50m of basic unaided freestyle. They are able to complete a neat dive (one of the favourites amongst our swimmers) and can tread water for five minutes.

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching that fine tunes and improves technique while building the stamina and strength required to swim freestyle over distance.

Level 9

Superb

Having attained the fundamentals for freestyle and backstroke, we continue to develop swimmers’ freestyle technique and their ability to comfortably swim further. At this level we also introduce them to the other two “competitive” strokes: breaststroke and butterfly.

By the completion of level nine, kids can comfortably swim 100m freestyle with strong technique. From here, they will begin working towards their Swordy 1km Medal, building the strength and confidence needed for longer distances.

Each lesson consists of a unique, tried-and-true method of teaching all four strokes that fine-tunes and improves technique while building the stamina and strength required to swim over distance.

Level 10

Legendary

In level ten, we start to build on kids freestyle abilities, turning 100m freestyle into 200m. We continue to develop swimmers’ backstroke, basic breaststroke and butterfly so they can confidently perform all four competitive strokes. We also build treading water skills to 10 minutes!

Upon graduating from level 10, your child will be ready to begin formal training towards their Swordy 1km Gold Medal, a major milestone in their swimming journey.

Level 11

Rock Star

At level 11, your child will have qualified for their Swordy 1km Gold Medal which is a HUGE milestone in our program. They will also have turned their basic breaststroke and butterfly into 20m of butterfly with fins and 20m of breaststroke.

Upon completion they will also be able to tread water for 15 minutes in clothes which is a ROCK STAR survival skill.

By the end of this level, swimmers will be preparing to turn their 250m endurance into the full 1km milestone that defines the next stage of the program.

Level 12

Congratulations

Having qualified for their Swordy 1km swim (level 11), your child has now built the stamina to have complete their 1km swim in under 30 mins — a life-saving benchmark that reflects true swimming independence.

At level 12, swimmers also learn to perform a 100m medley and 50m of lifesaving backstroke, along with introductions to competitive stroke turns.

Completing this level means your child has mastered the essential swimming and survival skills that underpin lifelong aquatic confidence — and they are now just one step away from earning their Swimland Diploma.

Diploma

The Swimland Diploma is our equivalent of receiving a university degree in swimming.

We extend students’ ability to swim distance from 1km to 3km, and complete an open-water swim, which gives them the confidence to tackle most recreational swims open to them. They also complete a strong medley (including all four strokes), which opens the opportunity to pursue competitive swimming or other aquatic sports if they wish.

At the completion of this “degree,” graduates attend a special ceremony and are celebrated by all at Paul Sadler Swimland.

We’re a learn to swim school that makes swimming lessons fun!

Our learn to swim programs for children over the age of 3 aim to teach kids important survival and swimming skills in a fun and engaging way. 

This swimming lessons program is designed learning for success through a 13-step journey, guiding swimmers from the very basics of swimming (like blowing bubbles and floating) all the way through to long-distance swims, survival techniques, the four competitive strokes, and even open-water techniques.

One way we help encourage our swimmers to do their best in the water is by using certificates for our different swim levels. As a child conquers all the skills in their current level and is ready to advance, they are awarded for their efforts with one of our special certificates.

We believe that children’s swim lessons shouldn’t just focus on the technical side of swimming. We want children to feel proud of their skills, comfortable and confident in the water, and have loads of fun as we teach them to become safer in the water.

See our certificates below!

A leading swim school for swimming and water safety

Looking to teach your child to swim? Learn from the experts with a proven record of success. As a premier swim school teaching Victorians for decades, our program is built on a philosophy that goes beyond just lessons. We are aligned with the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework, ensuring every student receives a best-practice education. Our industry-qualified teachers are trained to help students not only master strokes but also to solve problems, make sensible decisions, and develop crucial personal survival skills. We offer swimming lessons designed to create confident, competent swimmers able to enjoy themselves safely in all aquatic bodies – from the pool to the beach and beyond! 

Kids swim lessons certificates

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6

Level 7

Level 8

Level 9

Level 10

Level 11

Level 12

DIPLOMA!!

Awarded To Those Who Have Completed

  • The 12 Level Program
  • 3Km Swim
  • Sub 45 (5O Metres Freestyle)
  • Open Water Swim
  • 200M Individual Medley
  • 100M Survival Obstacle Course

Find Your Fast Lane to Fitness with Get Active Victoria’s Kids Voucher Program

We are proud supporters of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, helping Victorian children get involved in community activities that promote physical health and build endurance. This fantastic government initiative helps families with the cost of swimming lessons, making it easier for your child to start their swimming journey and develop a lifelong love for the water.

Please check the Get Active Victoria website for more details.

Learn How to Swim – FAQs

Water safety skills are important for kids to have in Australia. With all of our oceans, pools, creeks, and dams, a child possessing little or no experience with survival swimming may be at risk of accidental drowning. Studies have proven that attending regular swim classes for kids reduces the risk of drowning by up to 88%.

At Paul Sadler Swimland, participants in our swimming lessons learn vital water safety knowledge, survival strokes, and swimming techniques that help make them safer swimmers. However, we approach each lesson in a way that makes it fun to learn swimming. We want all of our swimmers to look forward to their lessons so they’ll remain engaged as they’re learning, and be able to complete each lesson stress-free.

Additional benefits of children’s swimming lessons are:

  • Increased water confidence 
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Good exercise and physical fitness 
  • Improved early development skills 
  • Improved social skills 
  • Better water skills and stroke development/ technique

Finding the right class is simple for parents of kids of all ages, from pre-school through to high school. Our learn to swim programs are not organised strictly by age groups, as we find an ability-based system is much better for a child’s progress and confidence. We will have a chat with you about your child’s prior swimming experience and abilities to determine the best starting level. Don’t worry if your child has no or limited experience of swimming, our free assessment will make sure they are placed in the ideal program alongside peers with similar abilities.

Although swimming lessons for kids over 3 years old are completed without parents in the water, we like to help ensure that parents can remain engaged with their child’s swimming lessons if they choose.

We offer on-deck seating so that parents are right there and involved in the process (rather than viewing rooms). Our swimmers’ families are as important as the swimmers themselves. We believe it’s important to keep parents involved with their child’s progress, and there’s truly nothing better for a kid than an encouraging thumbs up from Mum or Dad as they learn. 

For your comfort, our deck temperature remains about 27 degrees all year round.

We use teaching aids in our lessons such as:

  • Floaties
  • Kickboards
  • Back bubbles
  • Noodles

But why? Shouldn’t we be focusing on elements like freestyle and backstroke technique or competitive swimming strokes without any swimming aids?

At Paul Sadler Swimland, we don’t rush our swimmers into independence too early. If your child is not ready to progress up a level or try certain swimming skills, we will continue to support them at their own pace. One of our best techniques to support swimmers is the use of teaching aids. 

Using teaching aids gives a child extra comfort and confidence while in the water. As low tension levels encourage higher coordination levels, using teaching aids will help swimmers experience fast-tracked learning and low stress swimming. 

When ready, our swimmers will learn to swim without the use of teaching aids.

While parents understand the importance of swim lessons for preschoolers and other young children, what do you do when your child reaches an older school age? How do you know when it’s time to stop their swim lessons?

Research shows that many parents overestimate the swimming ability of their children. Pulling school-aged children out of lessons too early could be detrimental for their swimming capabilities and aquatic safety. This is why at Paul Sadler Swimland, children are reviewed regularly after every lesson. You can talk to one of our great team members to get a deeper insight into how your child is progressing as a swimmer, and to be guided on the timeline of their lessons.

If you’re ever wondering what is left to achieve at swim school, have a chat with our deck manager who can run you through what the teacher has observed/assessed. Note: You can also track progress anytime through our customer portal. Simply log in, go to My Account, select your swimmer and view evaluations to see how they are tracking.

At Paul Sadler Swimland we are proud of our children’s swimming lessons. If your child is over the age of 3, why not enrol them in learn to swim classes that they’ll not only love, but are important for their safety and development? No matter which location you choose, your child will be looked after by a qualified swim teacher who brings their passion for swimming and love of teaching into every lesson they run. 

We offer our swimming lessons at the following locations:

While many swim schools only emphasise optimum body position and correct technique for the sake of competitive swimming, at Paul Sadler Swimland we believe swimming and water safety go hand in hand, helping your child become a safer swimmer as soon as possible. Beyond the finer points of the breaststroke kick and tumble-turns, we are dedicated to preparing kids to safely explore a lifetime of fun in the water, wherever it takes them! 

However, we don’t force your child to progress faster than they should. When kids join our swimming programs, there’s no failure or disappointment. Our teachers will patiently work with them until they are naturally ready to advance through each swimming level. Our learn to swim classes are designed to help children build confidence in the water so they have an enjoyable swimming experience. Choose Paul Sadler Swimland for the best swimming lessons for kids! Each child will be treated with care, understanding, and kindness as they learn this vital life skill, having heaps of fun along the way! We also prioritise small class sizes to ensure each student receives personalised, one-on-one attention.

At our different locations we also offer infant classes, adult swimming lessons, private lessons, and classes during the school holidays. Follow the links below to learn more about our other swimming classes:

We offer unlimited access to make up lessons because we understand that life happens. If you can’t make your regular session, you don’t need to worry about cancellation fees. Simply let us know at least 30 minutes before your scheduled lesson times via our portal, and you’ll receive a make-up token. This gives you the flexibility to manage your class timetable as long as you’re enrolled in our program.

We make payments simple and predictable with our convenient direct debit system. Fees are processed monthly from your nominated account, which smooths out the cost and guarantees your spot in the program all year round. This also means there are no lock-in contracts, giving you complete flexibility.

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