School Age Swimming Lessons
For children aged 5 years and over
Whether your child is learning to swim for the first time or looking to build stronger technique, our School Age program develops confident, capable swimmers through fun, structured lessons in a safe and supportive environment. At Yarra Swim School, every lesson focuses on building water safety, confidence and correct swimming technique.
Why school age swimming matters
Building skills, confidence and water safety for life.
Learning to swim is one of the most valuable life skills a child can develop. Our School Age program helps children become safe, confident swimmers while improving technique, fitness and independence in a fun and encouraging environment.
 | Growing stronger with every lessonEvery child begins at a different stage of their swimming journey. Whether they're learning the basics or refining their strokes, our experienced teachers provide individual guidance to help each swimmer reach their full potential.
Our structured program allows children to progress at their own pace while developing the skills and confidence to enjoy swimming for life. |
What happens in a School Age lesson?
Structured lessons that build confident, capable swimmers.
Every School Age lesson follows a clear structure designed to develop swimming technique, water safety and confidence. Children learn in a supportive environment where every lesson builds on the skills learned the week before.
1. Warm upLessons begin with activities that help swimmers settle into the water, build confidence and prepare for the skills they'll learn during the lesson. | 2. Learn new skillsTeachers introduce and demonstrate new swimming skills, focusing on correct body position, breathing, kicking and stroke technique. | 3. Practise and improveSwimmers build confidence through guided practice, repetition and individual feedback, helping them develop stronger, more efficient strokes. | 4. Celebrate progressEvery lesson finishes with children feeling proud of what they've achieved as they continue progressing towards their next swimming level. |
Our experienced teachers understand that every child learns differently. We provide positive encouragement, individual feedback and a structured pathway that helps every swimmer build confidence while enjoying their time in the water.
Why families choose Yarra Swim School
Helping children become safe, confident swimmers for life.
For more than 40 years, local families have trusted Yarra Swim School to help their children learn to swim. Our experienced teachers, structured pathway and welcoming community provide every swimmer with the support they need to succeed, whether they're learning the basics or preparing for squad swimming.
Qualified, experienced teachersOur passionate swim teachers build confidence through positive encouragement, expert instruction and individual support in every lesson. | Small class sizesSmaller classes allow teachers to provide personalised feedback while ensuring every swimmer receives the attention they need to progress. | Structured skill developmentEach level builds on the previous one, helping children develop strong technique, water safety skills and confidence at every stage. |
Water safety for lifeWater safety is incorporated into every lesson, giving children the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around the water. | Progress at their own paceEvery child learns differently. Our teachers continually assess progress and support swimmers as they develop confidence and master new skills. | A pathway beyond Learn to SwimChildren who are ready for the next challenge can continue into our Future Waves program before progressing to Yarra Plenty Waves competitive squads. |
Our School Age Levels
Building skills, confidence and technique at every stage.
Our School Age program is designed to help children progress step by step. As confidence and ability grow, swimmers move through each level, developing stronger technique, improving endurance and building the water safety skills they'll use for life.
Platypus
Building the foundations Children begin structured stroke development while reinforcing important water safety skills and building confidence in the water. | Seal
Growing stronger Swimmers build strength, confidence and control while developing stronger freestyle and backstroke over longer distances. | Polar Bear
Developing technique Children continue refining their strokes while improving endurance, survival skills and confidence swimming independently. | Whale
Preparing for advanced skills Swimmers develop greater endurance while learning more advanced stroke techniques, starts and turns. | Stingray
Ready for the next challenge The final Learn to Swim level focuses on refining all strokes and preparing swimmers for Future Waves. |
Not sure which level is right for your child? Book a short assessment and our experienced teachers will recommend the most suitable starting point based on your child's current swimming ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your child's first lesson.
Starting swimming lessons is an important step. Here are answers to some of the questions families ask us most often.
My child has never had swimming lessons. Is that okay?Absolutely. We welcome beginners of all ages. We'll help find a class that suits your child's age, confidence and current swimming ability. | What should my child bring?Please bring swimwear, a towel, goggles and a swim cap. These help your child feel comfortable and ready for each lesson. | What if my child is nervous?That's completely normal. Our instructors create a positive, supportive environment where children can settle in, build confidence and progress at their own pace. |
How do I know which class is right?We'll help you find the class that best suits your child's age, confidence and swimming ability. If you're unsure, our friendly team can help. | How will I know when my child is ready to move up?Our instructors keep an eye on each swimmer's progress. When your child is ready for the next level, we'll recommend the next step. | What comes after Stingray?Swimmers who are ready for a new challenge can progress into our Future Waves program, continuing to develop technique, endurance and confidence. |
What if my child misses a lesson?If your child is unwell and can't make their lesson, please let us know through the iClassPro Parent Portal or give us a call on (03) 9434 4516. Where possible, we'll help you arrange a make-up lesson during the same term. | Can we arrange a make-up lesson?Yes. Up to two make-up lessons may be arranged each term for illness, subject to availability. We'll do our best to find a suitable time during the same term. | What if our plans change?If you need to cancel your enrolment, just let us know in writing before the new term begins. We'll help you through the cancellation process and explain any applicable fees. |
Still have a question? Our friendly team is happy to help you choose the right class and answer any questions before your first visit.
Ready to help your child become a confident swimmer?Every lesson builds skills for life.Whether your child is learning to swim for the first time or working towards stronger technique, our School Age program provides the guidance, encouragement and structured progression they need to succeed. From building water confidence to refining all four competitive strokes, every lesson helps children become safer, stronger and more confident swimmers. For those who are ready, our pathway continues through Future Waves and into Yarra Plenty Waves squad swimming. or Contact our friendly team if you'd like help finding the right starting level. |  |