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 50 years.

Whether you're introducing your baby to the water, enrolling your preschooler in their first swimming lessons or preparing your child for Future Waves and competitive swimming, we'll help you find the right class.

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Explore Our Programs

Our Swimming Programs

A positive start

At Yarra Swim School, we help children feel safe, supported and confident in the water.

For over 50 years, Yarra Plenty Waves has been developing swimmers in our local community. Our learn to swim program begins from 6 months of age and follows a clear pathway through to strong stroke development and squad readiness. Each level builds skills gradually, with water safety woven through every stage.

We believe swimming should be a positive and encouraging experience. Our teachers create a calm and welcoming environment where children are supported to try, practise and improve at their own pace.

As swimmers grow, they become part of the wider Yarra Plenty Waves community, where confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of swimming continue to develop.

Not sure which level is right? Book a short assessment and we will guide you to the best starting point for your child.

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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.

Ducklings 


6 months to 18 months
First steps to water confidence with your child, focusing on comfort and fun.
  • Comfort in the water
  • Supported kicking and arm movement
  • Safe entry and exit with help

Frogs

18 months to 3 years - BEGINNER

Helping toddlers become confident and independent in the water.
  • Building confidence
  • Submerging and blowing bubbles
  • Supported kicking and jumping

Seahorse

2 years to 3 years - INDEPENDENT

Designed for confident toddlers ready to become more independent in the water, with a guardian remaining in the pool for support.
  • Building independence
  • Unassisted torpedo and kicking 
  • Safe water entries and floating

Preschool

3 to 5 years

Developing stronger water confidence and the foundations of independent swimming in a supportive environment.

Jellyfish 


3 to 5 years - BEGINNER
Early swimmers learn control and comfort moving through water.
  • floating with support
  • glide and kick
  • safe jump into the pool

Turtle

 
3 to 5 years - INTERMEDIATE
Building independence and coordination as children begin swimming short distances on their own.
  • independent glide
  • front and back kick
  • freestyle arms introduced

Penguin 


3 to 5 years - ADVANCED
Strengthening technique and introducing breathing skills to support smooth, confident swimming.
  • freestyle with breathing
  • backstroke
  • standing dives

School Age

5 years and over

Supporting swimmers as they build endurance, refine technique and grow in confidence.

Platypus


Introducing structured stroke development while reinforcing important water safety skills.
  • streamline and kick
  • short freestyle distances
  • basic rescue skills

Seal


Building strength and control as swimmers gain strength and confidence across longer distances.
  • freestyle and backstroke
  • tread water
  • safe dives

Polar Bear

 
Developing stronger technique and survival skills to support safe, capable swimmers.
  • 25 metre strokes
  • survival backstroke
  • Compact jump and rescues

Whale 


Improving endurance and coordination while preparing swimmers for more advanced stroke work.
  • 50 metre strokes
  • breaststroke and butterfly kick
  • dive from blocks

Stingray


Refining technique and building consistency as swimmers develop confidence across all strokes.
  • 100 metre strokes
  • breaststroke and sidestroke
  • advanced survival skills

Future Waves

Future Waves is a one hour training session for swimmers who are ready to move beyond learn to swim and take the next step in their development.

It is designed for confident swimmers who want to improve their skills, build fitness and experience a squad style environment in a supportive setting.

Sessions focus on:

  • refining all four strokes

  • improving body position and breathing

  • building endurance and swimming longer distances

  • learning starts and turns

  • gaining confidence swimming in lanes with others

Swimmers begin to develop independence and take more responsibility for their training. They learn about consistency, personal progress and goal setting.

Competition is optional. Participation in race nights and internal club events is encouraged.

Session length: 1 hour
Training style: structured, coach led lane sessions

Continuing the Journey

Competitive Squads

Yarra Plenty Waves

Yarra Plenty Waves provides swimmers with the opportunity to train in a structured and supportive squad environment.

Our program supports performance based swimming at local, regional, state and national levels.

For more information about squad training and membership, please visit the Yarra Plenty Waves Swimming Club website.

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Swimmers follow a clear development pathway designed to build skills, strength and confidence over time.

Squads focus on:

  • refining stroke technique

  • building strength and endurance

  • developing racing skills including starts and turns

  • encouraging consistent training habits

  • supporting goal setting and performance progression

 

Mavericks

Mavericks is designed for teens who want to stay fit, improve their technique and continue enjoying swimming.

It suits swimmers who enjoy training, working towards personal goals and being part of a positive team environment, without the pressure of heavy competition.

Sessions focus on:

  • maintaining and improving all four strokes

  • building strength, fitness and endurance

  • structured fitness training

  • personal goal setting

  • teamwork and squad culture

Mavericks supports swimmers to continue their love of swimming through their teenage years while balancing school and other commitments.

Competition is optional. Participation in race nights and internal club events is encouraged.

Masters

Masters is for adults who want to stay active, improve their swimming and enjoy structured training in a supportive environment.

Whether you are returning to swimming after a break or looking to build fitness and refine technique, our sessions cater to a range of abilities.

Sessions focus on:

  • improving stroke technique

  • building fitness and endurance

  • structured swim sets with clear guidance

  • personal goal setting

  • swimming for health, confidence and enjoyment

Masters provides a welcoming space where adults can train consistently, challenge themselves and maintain a lifelong love of swimming.

Participation in swim meets or club events is optional. Many swimmers train for fitness, while others enjoy setting personal goals or preparing for events.

 

Extending Your Swimming

 

Aquatic Exercise

Our aquatic exercise sessions are medium intensity and suitable for a range of fitness levels.

Sessions run on a casual basis and do not need to be pre booked. Simply attend when it suits you.

What you can expect:

  • fully qualified teachers

  • the ability to work at your own pace

  • gentle movement to support muscle and joint mobility

  • improved health and fitness

  • exercise without placing stress on joints

  • social interaction in a welcoming setting

  • a caring and friendly environment

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