Swimming Programs

Ensuring a Positive Experience

We prioritise creating a positive and enjoyable experience for all swimmers, especially children. Our swimming lessons adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Austswim Council, particularly in the context of Pre School Aquatics. Here's what you can expect:

  1. Happy Learning Environment: We believe that participation in lessons and aquatic activities should be a joyful experience for children. We encourage them to learn at their own pace, fostering a sense of comfort and confidence in the water.

  2. Safety First: Our students safety is paramount. Regardless of a child's swimming ability, they are never considered entirely safe when in or around water. Hence, constant adult supervision is essential to ensure their well-being.

  3. Balancing Skill Development and Fun: While we focus on developing specific swimming skills, we always keep in mind that a child's enjoyment in the water is of utmost importance. Skill development is seen as part of their overall growth and development.

Join us for swimming programs that prioritise happiness, safety, and holistic development in the water.

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.

Fees

 

Swimming Pathways

Our Classes

Nursery Lessons

BABY NURSERY (Duckling) 6 months - 2 years

OLDER NURSERY (Frogs) 2 years to 3 years

Are supervised by qualified pre-school and infant aquatic teachers 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 teachers.  They are also encouraged to turn take and practice skills without the support of flotation aids

What can you expect?

  • Each baby must be accompanied by a care giver (parent/guardian)
  • 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' 

Pre-School Lessons

TODDLER CLASSES (Jellyfish) 3 to 4 years

KINDER CLASSES (Turtle, Penguin) 4 to School Age 

What can you expect?

  • Teacher 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 Teacher

School Age Lessons

SCHOOL AGE (Platypus, Seal, Polar Bear, Whale, Stingray, Crocodile) School Age

What can you expect?

  • Teacher in the water
  • Maximum of six children per class 
  • 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.
 

Fit Junior

This program has been specifically designed for swimmers who have developed skills beyond the learn to swim program. 

Offering an alternative competitive structured squads, providing the group with more independence, flexibility and input into group activities.

The swimmers are expected to be competent at freestyle and backstroke and have a basic understanding of the other strokes.   

Advantages to be gained from the Fitness program:

  • Challenges
  • Improved fitness
  • Coaching/stroke correction
  • Limited structured programming
  • Social interaction
  • Education eg. Basic swimming biomechanics
  • Introduction to lifesaving
  • Variety - videos, basic snorkelling etc.
  • Development of water and self confidence
  • Development of training programs
  • To work at the individual's own pace
  • Enjoyment

The program is also suitable for teenagers suffering from asthma, as the sessions are structured with the flexibility to allow each individual to work at their own level.

Fit Senior

Is ideal for swimmers who are over 14 and have a desire to swim regularly; however, competing is not a requirement. designed to challenge athletes to stay fit and active. A great way to stay connected to the club, maintain friendships and maintain technique.

The swimmers are expected to be competent at freestyle and backstroke and have a basic understanding of the other strokes.   

Advantages to be gained from the Fitness program:

  • Challenges
  • Improved fitness
  • Coaching/stroke correction
  • Limited structured programming
  • Social interaction
  • Education eg. Basic swimming biomechanics
  • Introduction to lifesaving
  • Variety - videos, basic snorkelling etc.
  • Development of water and self confidence
  • Development of training programs
  • To work at the individual's own pace
  • Enjoyment

The program is also suitable for teenagers suffering from asthma, as the sessions are structured with the flexibility to allow each individual to work at their own level.

Masters

Our Masters Program is an inclusive group of a welcoming mix of men and women from all walks of life. This squad is open to swimmers ages 18 and who are competent at freestyle and backstroke and have a basic understanding of the other strokes.   

The swimmers are expected to be competent at freestyle and backstroke and have a basic understanding of the other strokes.   

What can you expect?
  • Fitness education
  • Training advice and development of swimming etiquette
  • Development of training programs
 

Adult Lessons

Adult Learn to Swim Lessons, with our patient and friendly instructors. Teaching you whatever skills you need to know to become a strong, confident swimmer.

What can you expect?
  • A comfortable environment
  • Teacher for the beginner, stroke correction or coaching depending on the ability level of each individual
  • Classes of one hour duration
  • Teacher 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
   

Aquatic Exercise

These sessions are of medium intensity.  Session attendance does not have to be pre-booked, as entry is on a casual basis only.

What can you expect?

  • fully qualified Teachers
  • 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.

Squad Program

Yarra Plenty Waves provides our swimmers with a fun and challenging environment. We focus on a friendly experience where the very best can be brought out of each of our athletes.

Yarra Plenty Waves Swimming Club provides opportunities to swim competitively, fitness and also attend club nights.  For more information on memberships, visit the club’s website. 

yarraplentywaves.com.au