The WestSwim Program uniquely offers 45-minute swimming lessons, creating the ideal structure for your child to truly learn and practice, improving their chance of retaining new skills.
Level Progressions
Once children turn 3 years of age, they transition into the first level of our Learn To Swim Program, Platypus level. Our Learn to Swim Program comprises 10 levels, each focussing on a core skillset, including one water safety-based skill. After completing the Learn To Swim Program, students have the option to continue on within our Deveopment Squad Program which focusses on fitness, refining stroke technique and preparing students for competition pathways.
Platypus
Platypus level is our beginner level and the first level where a child will swim without a parent or carer in the water. This level aims to introduce your child to swimming in a fun and relaxed environment, with a focus on play-based learning. Children will learn to kick on both their front and back and be able to confidently submerge and blow bubbles. Max. 3 students
Seahorse
Seahorse level aims to build on foundational skills such as torpedoes, streamlined kicking as well as floatation on front and back. Each of these skills help students to form a sound understanding of body positioning in water, propulsion and buoyancy. The assessment criteria in Seahorse Level forms the essential basis for teaching beginner freestyle and backstroke in subsequent levels. Max. 4 students
Whale
Whale level builds on the foundational kicking skills previously taught, as well as introducing the use of arms to help with propulsion through the water. Students will gain stronger kicking skills, and will be able to confidently kick unaided on both their front and back, as well as execute basic freestyle arms. The assessment criteria for Whale ensures a strong basis for learning full freestyle and backstroke in future levels. Max. 5 students
Turtle
Turtle level is where children begin learning full freestyle and backstroke. In this level, freestyle side breathing is introduced as well as basic backstroke arms. The assessment criteria for turtle includes foundational freestyle and backstroke skills over a 5-meter distance, ready for refinement in future levels. Students also learn valuable water safety skills and define their role in aquatic emergency situations. Max. 5 students
Starfish
Starfish Level focusses on the refinement of basic freestyle breathing technique and backstroke skills across 5 meters. Additionally, your child will develop the ability to be proficient in safety floats on both the front and back, whilst being able to independently transition to either orientation. Children also learn how to submerge and swim through an obstacle at depth. Max. 5 students
Seal
Seal involves further refinement of both freestyle and backstroke skills, to enable children to swim independently over a longer distance of 12 meters. This level is where WestSwim students first experience full lessons in the Main Pool. Further to this, students are introduced to the basic elements of treading water. Max. 6 students
Octopus
Octopus involves students being fully independent with their freestyle and backstroke out of depth in the deeper section of the Main Pool. Foundational strokes are still further developed in a way that is supportive of their independent styles. Students should be competent with their treading water ability, whilst developing a knowledge and practical skills to manage an aquatic emergency and preserve their own life. Further to this, students develop their survival backstroke and are introduced to breastroke kick. Max. 6 students
Stingray
Stingray students can competently swim a full length of the Main Pool, which allows them to further develop their endurance capabilities and independence in the water. Both freestyle and backstroke continue to be refined with technical elements such as bilateral breathing being introduced. The development of breaststroke becomes a staple of this level as students develop the complete stroke. Max. 6 students
Frog
Students are now independently swimming freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke with strength and endurance. Distance is a focus of this level, aiming towards independent 100m swims. Stroke technique is further refined with technical elements and specialized drills introduced to maximise efficiency. Further to this, students will be introduced to basic elements of dolphin kick as well as racing practices such as tumble turns. Max. 6 students
Dolphin
By the time students reach Dolphin Level, they should be competent in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke over long distances, whilst displaying technical elements consistently throughout their lesson. Further to this, students will develop and refine their butterfly to be confident, comfortable and proficient in all four competitive strokes. Student will simultaneously display further competitive elements such as correct racing turns and pull-outs. Max. 6 students
| Learn To Swim Classes | 45 minutes | $25.00 |
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If I cannot attend a lesson, can I book a makeup class?
Makeup tokens are issued when an absence has been provided at least one hour in advance of the class start time via the family portal. The makeup token will not appear for use until after the original class time has passed. Makeup tokena are unlimited throughout the year and have a 30 day expiry period.
Should my child wear a cap during lessons?
It is highly recommended that children with longer hair wear a swim cap whilst in lessons. Limiting hair in the eyes will greatly benefit the child's ability to efficiently learn freestyle side breathing. Not to mention, the use of caps keeps our water much more hygienic for your benefit.
My child feels the cold easily. Should they wear a wetsuit or rash vest during lesson?
WestSwim aims to keep the air temperature on pool deck at a constant 30 degrees and the Main Pool water is heated to 28 degrees. The use of rash vests and wetsuits should be considered only if/when a child is not progressing or continuing to enjoy lessons due to temperature distraction. It is important to note that rash vests, loose fitting board shorts and wetsuits can drastically reduce the child's ability to experience a full range of movement in the water, limiting their learning potential.
How often are children assesed?
WestSwim releases an annual calendar containing assessment dates at the beginning of the year. Assessment criteria for each level can be found on your family portal and listed on each level sign on pool deck. The assessment schedule is also displayed in the hallway at the entrance to the pool and can also be found on the family portal. Should your child miss their assessment, we are always happy to schedule an alternative time to assess your child and provide feedback on their progress. Please contact the swim school office to arrange a catch-up assessment.
Is any additional support provided to assist students struggling to meet their goals?
The WestSwim deck support team continually monitors each child's progress throughout the term, aiming to build relationships beyond the pool to best understand your child and their learning style. Whilst some children progress at a fast pace, others take time to grasp certain skills. Should a child be identified as not having made any notable progression over the previous terms, WestSwim offers intensive one-on-one lessons to support the child in reaching their goals. It is important to recognise that each child has their own journey and learns at their own pace. We encourage all families to speak with our friendly deck support team should they have any concerns regarding their child's progression.
Do you offer School Holiday Programs?
WestSwim offers a July Holiday Intensive Program over three consecutive days in the South Australian school holiday period. Click here for further information.
Why is Winter swimming so important?
Studies have shown that children who keep swimming year-round are found to be less prone to diseases and sickness compared to children who are overly protected from the elements. Regular year-round physical activity can boost your child’s immunity and strengthen their respiratory system, thus reducing the likelihood of illness in the Winter months. Swimming over Winter also increases a child's water safety and survival skills, giving them the head start that they need for Summer swimming.
Our friends over at Royal Life Saving Australia have written a great article on the benefits of swimming through the Winter months.
Do you have a waitlist for classes that are currently full?
Yes! You are most welcome to join the wait list for any class visible within the family portal. Simply select the desired class and click "wait list". Add to cart and check out. No payment for this class will be processed until such time that a position opens and the enrollment is confirmed.
How do I know who my child's instructor is and can I request a specific instructor?
Your child's instructor along with other class details are visible from within your family portal by clicking on "Account", selecting your child's profile and clicking the "enrollments" tab. To learn more about your instructor, please visit the "Meet Our WestSwim Team" page.
You most certainly can request a specific instructor! Instructor availability can be found from within your family portal by clicking on "Booking", "Find a Class" and filtering for the "instructor" of choice. Please be mindful that instructor availability may change from term to term and guarantee of instructor availability at your desired class day/time cannot be provided.
Do you accept Sports Vouchers?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept Sports Vouchers at this time. Current program guidelines state that vouchers and unable to be redeemed by schools that do not have a stand alone business.
I would like to gift swimming lessons to someone special. Do you sell vouchers?
We absolutely do! Swimming lessons is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive. Click here to purchase a digital gift certificate.