SWIMMING PROGRAMMES   General information about swimming lessons The Austswim Council (whose guidelines for Pre School Aquatics are followed in our Centre), advise the following: “Participation in aquatic activities should be a happy experience for all children.  They must be able to learn at their own pace and should never be forced to be involved in water activities. Irrespective of their swimming ability, children are never safe when in or around water and must be under constant adult supervision. Development of specific skills should not take precedence over children's enjoyment in the water, but should be seen in relation to their overall development.” There are significant differences between children's physical and emotional growth, so the children within each class should not be compared as they may all develop the various skills at different rates.   As well as the long-term goal of learning to swim, children are encouraged to: Work at their own level and recognise progression Listen to and follow directions Gain confidence through positive attitudes and experience Take turns - work individually - develop independence Take an interest in their peer group   It is important for parents to note that irrespective of age or skill level, children are never safe when in or around water and must be under constant adult observation/supervision.     Our Classes BABY NURSERY - 6 months - 2 years and OLDER NURSERY - 2 years to 3 years Are supervised by qualified pre-school and infant aquatic instructors and conducted as half hour sessions. Older nursery classes are used as a transition to toddler classes.  The children are encouraged to become more independent of their parents in the water by working increasing amounts of time with the instructor.  They are also encouraged to turn take and practice skills without the support of flotation aids   What can you expect? Instructor, parent/guardian in the water with baby Up to eight per group - half hour sessions Guidance for parent/guardian for holding the child and progression stages Encouragement in all aspects of water familiarisation/confidence To see the benefits water has in your child's development in the following areas: Physical Activity develops alternating patterns in arms and legs encourages deeper breathing and large muscle action increases muscle strength and endurance increases muscle control through movement patterns and skills enhances spatial orientation Social Development involvement with peers in group, sharing, turn taking increases ability to model behaviour by watching others increases the child's ability to follow directions increase the child's play skills Psychological Development increases confidence and self esteem through praise, experience and achievement provides the opportunity to adjust to new situations/people extends the emotional stability to a new environment Language Development increases knowledge by exposing the baby to new experiences helps to establish good listening skills assists the development of speech and increases vocabulary Swimming and water activities can enhance physical and emotional development and they may promote emotional bonding between parents and children.  The program aims to educate parents and children in order to make the water an enjoyable learning experience. What to bring? Swimwear that fits firmly around the waist and legs Towel and warm clothing Hat to keep warm when going home Spare pair of bathers in case of 'accidents' Please obtain a copy of the make-up/credit policy from reception.

Pre-School Lessons TODDLER CLASSES approximately 3 to 4 years and KINDER CLASSES - approximately 4 to 6 years   What can you expect? Instructor in the water Four children per toddler class Five children per kinder class Half hour lessons Your child to be in a class with others of a similar age and ability Familiarisation/Development of water and self confidence Development of independent movement through the water Re-enforcement of commonsense rules (eg not going into the water unless a parent or teacher is there) The introduction of skills associated with the more formal techniques of swimming Your child to work at his/her own ability level. Discipline (eg sitting on the steps, taking turns) To see the benefits water has in the physical, psychological, social and language development of your child. Fully qualified instructor

School Age Lessons JUNIOR - 6 years and above   What can you expect? Instructor in the water Maximum of six children per class (5 for new beginners) Half hour lesson Your child to work at his/her own level Development of water and self confidence Your child to be in a class with others of similar ability To see the benefits water has in the overall development of your child. There are significant differences between children's physical and emotional growth, so the children within each class should not be compared as they may all develop the various skills at different rates.   As well as the long term goal of learning the different swimming strokes the children are encouraged to: Work at their own level and recognise progression Listen to and follow directions Gain confidence through positive attitudes and experience Take turns - work individually - develop independence Feel the benefits water has on their overall development and fitness Gain a healthy respect for the water and be able to recognise the dangers and benefits associated with water activity.

TeenFit This program has been specifically designed for teenagers.  The group provides teenagers with an alternative to the more structured squads,providing the group with more independence, flexibility and input into group activities.   The teenagers are expected to be competent at freestyle and backstroke and have a basic understanding of the other strokes.  Teenagers currently in our other squad groups may join this group in conjunction with their present group.   Advantages to be gained from the Teenfit program: Challenges Improved fitness Coaching/stroke correction Limited structured programming Social interaction Education eg. Basic swimming biomechanics Introduction to lifesaving Variety - video's, basic snorkelling etc. Development of water and self confidence Development of training programs To work at the individual's own pace Enjoyment The Teenfit program is also suitable for teenagers suffering from asthma,as the sessions are structured with the flexibility to allow each individual to work at his/her own level.

Adult Lessons Stroke Correction Classes What can you expect? A comfortable environment Instruction for the beginner, stroke correction or coaching depending on the ability level of each individual Classes of one hour duration Instructor in the water with beginners Learn and develop skills YOU want and need to Patience, motivation and encouragement from the instructor Development of water confidence and self confidence as goals are achieved Fitness education Social benefits - fun and friendship Training advice and development of swimming etiquette Development of training programs

Water Aerobics   What can you expect? fully qualified instructors to be able to work at your own pace the option to use the session as a form of relaxation to aid muscle and joint movement an increase in health and fitness to be able to exercise without putting stress on joints social interaction a caring and friendly environment. These sessions are of medium intensity.  Session attendance does not have to be pre-booked, as entry is on a casual basis only.

Squads Yarra Swim School in conjunction with the Yarra Plenty Swimming Club has arrange of different squad programs available for swimmers, these including; Pre-Junior & Junior District State Development & State National   For further details on what squads are available, please contact the customer service desk.