Our Water Babies Program is aimed at babies from 10 months to 3 years of age. The program has been designed to enable babies to be extended in the appropriate way for their age, developmental readiness and ability. Our Water Babies classes focus on play-based learning while teaching fundamental water safety skills from day one. By fostering a respect for water from an early age, our Water Babies develop safety skills while learning the foundational skillset of buoyancy, mobility and water familiarisation through toys, song and games.
| Water Babies | 30 minute class | $24.00 |
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Jellyfish Level
Jellyfish level is all about water familiarisation and comfortability. This is our beginner Water Babies level and provides a gentle introduction to holds, cues and buoyancy practices while creating a comfortable space for baby and carer to explore the water for the first time. Max. 8 students
Crab Level
Crab level is where our Water Babies start to progress their kicking skills, gain independence through the use of floatation aids and practice basic breath control techniques in a gentle and child-lead manner. In this class we teach children to independently climb in and out of the pool and begin to introduce gentle submersion techniques. Max. 8 students
Swimming provides babies the ability to move independently long before they crawl or walk. In turn, this contributes to motor development and improves function of the skeletal muscles. Not only can swimming act as a perfect bridge for parents or carers to bond with their baby but swimming also provides various health benefits...
Stronger Heart & Lungs
Swimming can help infants to develop stronger cardiovascular systems, while also increasing lung capacity and function.
Joints & Muscles
Infants who participate in regular swimming lessons have improved joint mobility and greater muscle tone, promoting the development of gross motor skills.
Stamina, Sleep & Feeding
Swimming can help to increase stamina in infants, while also building better feeding and sleep patterns through gentle, therapeutic exercise.
FAQ's
Do I need to be in the water with my child?
A parent or caregiver must be in the water at all times with an infant in the Water Babies Program. Once children turn 3yrs of age and advance to the first level of our Learn to Swim Program (Platypus), children are independent in the water.
What should my child and I wear?
Children must wear specifically adapted swim nappies at all times whilst in the water, until such time that they are adequately toilet trained.
WestSwim parents are asked to wear a t-shirt or rash vest in the water whilst participating in Water Babies classes. The purpose of such is to introduce and encourage children to reach and grasp their way to safety without parents/carers subconsciously lifting their children from the water. Learning to reach and grasp is an essential water safety and lifesaving skill.
How warm is the pool?
The Learn to Swim pool is heated to 32 degrees celsius, while the Main Pool is heated to 28 degrees celsius. All Water Babies classes are held in the Learn to Swim pool.
How many participants are there in any 1 class?
Water Babies classes are capped at a maximum of 8 students/parents.
I can’t swim! Will I be safe to participate in a Water Babies class?
The depth of the Learn to Swim pool is 900mm. WestSwim recommends that the carer responsible for the infant in the water must be confident enough to move independently and recover to a standing position should they slip. "Swimming skills" beyond this basic level of water safety are not necessary.
Can my older child participate in a Learn to Swim class while I am in a class with my baby?
Yes! We are more than happy for an older child to be in the care of their swimming instructor whilst you are participating in a Water Babies class. Should your older child need to use the bathroom or become distressed however, we do ask that you be ready to exit the pool to manage this situation.
What are your practices around submersion with infants?
WestSwim firmly believes in gentle submersion practices which center around an infant's readiness for submersion. Infants are slowly introduced to submersion techniques that develop readiness and parents/carers are taught how to recognise such readiness cues in their child. Until a child demonstrates these readiness cues, submersion may involve gentle water pouring or splashing to build confidence on water touching the child's face.
My family are visiting. Can they come and watch a class?
Absolutely! We encourage family and friends to visit our Centre and share in the joy of baby's swimming journey.
My child is 2.5yrs and quite independent in the water. Do you offer any transitional Program between Water Babies and your Learn to Swim Program?
Infants with greater levels of independence and confidence in the water work towards successfully achieving competencies that will greatly assist with the transition to Level 1. Platypus within the Learn to Swim Program. Infants will utilise personal floatation devices that build upon independent propulsion, whilst being extended with submersion techniques and completing transitional visits to the Platypus class.