Swimming lessons for every age and stage
From first splashes to confident swimmers, Yarra Swim School has been helping local families build water confidence for more than 40 years.
From six months through to Future Waves and squad swimming, our programs give swimmers the skills and confidence to keep progressing.
Find the right program
Every swimmer starts somewhere. Explore our programs to find the right place to begin or continue your swimming journey.
Parent and Infant
6 months to 3 years
Helping your child feel safe, relaxed and happy in the water while building early confidence alongside you. Every lesson is designed to create positive experiences in the water through play, songs and age-appropriate activities.
 Ducklings6 months to 18 months First steps to water confidence with your child, focusing on comfort and fun.
|  Frogs18 months to 3 years • Beginner Helping toddlers become confident and independent in the water.
|  Seahorse2 years to 3 years • Independent Designed for confident toddlers who are ready to become more independent while their parent or guardian remains in the pool for support.
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What parents can expect
- Parents or carers participate in every lesson.
- Songs, games and play-based activities keep children engaged.
- Lessons focus on water confidence before swimming technique.
- Progress at your child's own pace in a fun, relaxed environment.
Preschool
3 to 5 years
Our Preschool program helps children develop confidence, independence and essential swimming skills in a fun, supportive environment. Lessons focus on building strong foundations while encouraging every child to progress at their own pace.
 Jellyfish3 to 5 years • Beginner Early swimmers learn confidence and control while becoming comfortable moving independently through the water.
|  Turtle3 to 5 years • Intermediate Building independence and coordination as children begin swimming short distances on their own.
|  Penguin3 to 5 years • Advanced Strengthening technique and introducing breathing skills to support smooth, confident swimming.
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What children learn
- Greater confidence swimming independently.
- Strong foundations for freestyle and backstroke.
- Essential water safety skills introduced in every level.
- Lessons designed to build confidence through fun and encouragement.
- A smooth pathway into our School Age Learn to Swim program.
School Age
5 years and over
Our School Age program helps children become safe, confident swimmers through structured lessons that develop technique, endurance and lifelong water safety skills. Each level builds on the one before, preparing swimmers for Future Waves and beyond.
 PlatypusIntroducing structured stroke development while reinforcing important water safety skills.
|  SealBuilding strength and control as swimmers gain confidence across longer distances.
|  Polar BearDeveloping stronger technique and survival skills to support safe, capable swimmers.
|  WhaleImproving endurance and coordination while preparing swimmers for more advanced stroke development.
|  StingrayRefining technique and building consistency across all four strokes while preparing for squad swimming.
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Preparing for the next stage
- Progressive development through every swimming level.
- Focus on technique, endurance and water safety.
- Introduction to all four competitive strokes.
- Skills that build confidence for swimming at school, the beach and beyond.
- Graduates are ready to move into our Future Waves program.
Future Waves
Ready for more?
Future Waves gives confident swimmers the opportunity to build endurance, refine technique and experience structured squad-style training in a fun and supportive environment.
 Invitation or assessmentA one-hour coach-led session designed for confident swimmers who are ready to take the next step towards squad swimming. | What swimmers will develop
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The bridge to squad swimming
Future Waves helps swimmers transition from Learn to Swim into Yarra Plenty Waves squad training. Sessions focus on technique, fitness and confidence while introducing the structure and expectations of squad swimming in a welcoming environment.
| ✓ One-hour coached sessions | ✓ Supportive group environment |
| ✓ Encouraged to race at race nights and home meets | ✓ Preparation for Yarra Plenty Waves squads |
Continuing the journey
Swimming for life at Yarra Plenty Waves
Learning to swim is just the beginning. Through our partnership with Yarra Plenty Waves, swimmers can continue their journey into squad training, fitness swimming and lifelong participation in the sport.
Competitive SquadsFor swimmers who are ready to train, compete and achieve their personal best in a structured squad environment.
| MavericksPerfect for teenagers who want to stay active, improve their technique and continue swimming without the commitment of competitive racing.
| MastersDesigned for adults of all abilities who want to improve their swimming, build fitness and enjoy structured coaching in a welcoming environment.
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One pathway. Every stage.
From your child's very first splash through to competitive swimming, fitness training or adult swimming, Yarra Swim School and Yarra Plenty Waves provide a complete pathway for every age and stage of life.
Whether your goal is water confidence, swimming for fitness or racing at the highest level, we're here to support your journey every step of the way.
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you find the right class.
Every child is different. Whether it's their very first splash or they're ready for Future Waves, our friendly team will help you choose the most suitable level. A short assessment allows us to recommend the right class so your child feels confident from day one.
What happens at an assessment?
| Why book an assessment?Every swimmer develops differently. An assessment helps us understand your child's age, confidence and current ability so we can place them in the class where they'll feel comfortable, challenged and supported. Starting in the right level helps children enjoy swimming and build confidence from their very first lesson. |