Learn to swim programs and levels

Find details about the different Learn to Swim programs and levels at Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre below. 

For more information, or any other enquiries, please email us at akac.swimschool@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.

Infants

Our infants and pre-school programs are designed to assist infants, young children and their parents to become familiar with the water and develop water confidence.

Water Babes – 6 to 16 months 

Parent in water

We aim to achieve basic swimming and water safety skills through play, exploration and encouragement in a predictable and comfortable environment.

These classes explore buoyancy, breath control, propulsion and submersion.

We choose age appropriate and suitable activities based on the level of the group and recommend free “water play” (under close adult supervision) after your lessons.

Progression out of Water Babes is based on age and emotional readiness.

Water Tots  - 16  to  30+ months

Parent in water

We aim to achieve basic swimming and water safety skills through play, exploration and encouragement in a predictable and comfortable environment. 

These classes explore buoyancy, breath control, propulsion and submersion. 

We choose age appropriate and suitable activities based on the level of the group and recommend free “water play” (under close adult supervision) after your lessons. 

Progression out of Water Tots based on age and emotional readiness.

Early Tadpoles – 30 to 36 months

Parent in water, if support for child required

Early Tadpoles is designed to bridge the gap between Water Tots and Tadpoles, readying the infant for lessons independent from the parent/carer.

This transition class works towards minimising the level of involvement from the parent/carer over the course of time.

The Early Tadpole level is only offered to swimmers who have been promoted from our Water-Tots.  It is not an entry point unless the child has had previous water experience in a class setting.

Progression out of Early Tadpoles is based on ability, age and emotional readiness.

Toddler and School Age

There are a range of classes for toddlers and school age children to suit your child’s ability.  

Tadpoles

 This class introduces the child to their first level of swimming education without the parent or carer. Elementary swimming skills such as; kicking, paddling and breathing are taught as well as safety skills including floating, entries and exits.

To graduate this level, children must:

• Swim independently for 3m demonstrating taking a breath
• Float independently
• Demonstrate a propulsive kick with a board

Frogs

This class further develops dog paddle to include breathing and distance as well as introducing basic freestyle arms.

Streamlining torpedoes and backstroke kicking skills are also established. Frogs will also be introduced to various types of floating, which will aid body position in future levels.

To graduate this level, children must:

• Swim 10m freestyle
• Demonstrate back kick
• Be able to enter and exit in deep water situations

Dolphins

 Basic freestyle is refined, and the first stages of teaching side breathing are added. Elementary backstroke is introduced combining arm action and breathing with the already mastered back kick. Many intermediate safety skills are introduced, aimed at individual survival.

To graduate this level children must:

• Demonstrate 15m freestyle and backstroke.
• Demonstrate breaststroke on wall and in water on back for 10-15m
• Demonstrate lateral side kick
• Perform a rotation to the opposite side
• Demonstrate butterfly kick

Swordfish Beginners

The combination of side breathing, freestyle arms and flutter kick are coordinated to produce freestyle with bilateral breathing.  The swimming distance is increased to 20m for freestyle and backstroke. Breaststroke kick on back is demonstrated to 20m. Advanced safety skills are introduced.

To graduate this level children must:

• Demonstrate 20m freestyle and backstroke.
• Demonstrate breaststroke kick in water on back for 20m
• Demonstrate butterfly kick

Swordfish Intermediate

Bilateral freestyle and backstroke distance is increased to 40m. Breaststroke kick on front is demonstrated to 20m. Advanced safety skills are introduced.

To graduate this level children must:

• Demonstrate 40m freestyle and backstroke.
• Demonstrate breaststroke kick in water on front for 20m
• Demonstrate butterfly kick

Marlins 

This level aims to refine freestyle and backstroke technique, while increasing the swimmer’s stamina over longer distances to 120 and 80m respectively. Whole breaststroke is further developed. Much of the safety is taken outdoors to continue the challenge for swimmers in this level.

To graduate this level children must:

• Demonstrate 120m freestyle
• Demonstrate 80m backstroke.
• Demonstrate breaststroke in water on front for 20m with understanding of arm movements
• Demonstrate butterfly kick

Sharks

This is the advanced stroke correction class. Freestyle and backstroke endurance is continued and extended. Breaststroke, rudimentary butterfly and standing dives are introduced for the first time. Sharks safety week takes on an endurance focus with survival and rescue sequences attempted by students.

To graduate from this last Learn to Swim level, children must:

• be able to swim 200m strong and proficient freestyle
• be able to swim 80m of backstroke
• perform breaststroke with an un-disqualifiable kick
• perform skills of streamlining and tumble turns

Disability inclusive classes

We offer Learn to Swim classes for children with disabilities, tailored to suit the needs of participants at any skill level. If you are interested in more information or have any specific questions, please submit an enquiry through the form below or call us on 9392 5400. We look forward to helping your child develop their swimming skills in a supportive environment.