Kids Swim Classes

For all Ages and Abilities

As a partner in the Royal Life Saving Society Swim & Survive Program, an AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre Scheme, and a proud member of the Aquatics & Recreation Institute, Shoalhaven Swim School offers comprehensive aquatic programs that are conducted year-round at our heated indoor facilities.

Our Swim and Survive programs are designed to help your child learn crucial water safety skills and healthy habits that they’ll carry throughout their lives. 

With a focus on fun and active learning, each section of the program is structured into skill strands that ensures a balanced, comprehensive & instructional approach to your child's aquatic education. 

All our Swim & Survive instructors hold an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety™ qualification and undergo regular training.

Swim & Survive offers aquatic programs in three levels:

Wonder kids swimming lesson graphic

Wonder (6-36 months)

Wonder is a program taught with a parent/carer and child together in the water and focuses on water familiarisation. They use songs, games and activities to assist in the development with a variety of water skills. It’s also a great way to bond with your little one!

Wonder has 2 to 3 levels arranged in age groups.

The highest level aims to progress parents out of the water as the children approach the upper end of the age range.

Courage kids swimming lesson graphic

Courage (3-5 years)

Our pre-school program is designed to build on your child’s familiarisation with the water and establish crucial water confidence.

Courage is broken down into 5 stages, as follows:

  • Courage 1 – Aims to encourage independence in the water.
  • Courage 2 – Aims to foster confidence in participating independently with focus on front/back floating and kicking (using aids) with minimal support from the instructor.
  • Courage 3 – Aims to develop the capabilities required to kick (with aid) and glide on front and back over 3 metres (unassisted).
  • Courage 4 – Focuses on reinforcing the skills acquired in Courage 3 and performing a basic freestyle swim over 5 metres (unassisted).
  • Courage 5 – Aims to develop side breathing skills in freestyle and introduce backstroke over an 8-10 metre swim.

Active kids swimming lesson graphic

Active (5-14 years)

Our school-aged program focuses on further developing swimming skills and water safety practices.

Through eight carefully designed stages, our instructors will assist students in consolidating the fundamentals of swimming, safety and survival.

Key milestones by the last stage of Active include the ability to perform freestyle/backstroke (75m), breaststroke (50m) and butterfly (25m), including starts and turns.

If you’d like more information on our Swim & Survive Program or your child has a special need, please speak to the Aquatics Education Coordinator who will be happy to assess and recommend the best class for your child

Looking to enroll your Child in a week or two-week program designed to fast-track their progress through the above stages? Get in touch with your nearest centre and ask about our Intensive Holiday Swimming Lessons program.

Kids enjoying a holiday swimming lesson

Holiday Swim School Programs

In addition to our regular swim classes, our Centres offer one & two-week programs designed to fast-track progress through the above stages and continue your child’s aquatic education throughout the holidays. Get in touch with your nearest Centre and ask about our Intensive Holiday Swimming Lessons program today.

Pre-register for Kids Swim Classes Today!

Get started by completing our online registration form.

Don't worry if you're unsure about the appropriate 'Level' or 'Activity' for your child as a member of staff will be contact to discuss the next steps and confirm all pre-registration details before finalising and confirming your registration. If unsure, simply select any of the available options before submitting your pre-registration and discuss with our friendly Learn to Swim Coordinators.

Available At

Bay & Basin Leisure Centre exterior photo
Leisure Centre

Bay & Basin Leisure Centre

Your one-stop-shop for an active lifestyle in Vincentia, Bay & Basin Leisure Centre features a fully-equipped gym, 25m lap pool and small toddler pool. There’s even a leisure pool with beach entry, spa, café and creche facilities.

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External photo of Bomaderry Aquatic Centre pool
Aquatic Centre

Bomaderry Aquatic Centre

Bomaderry Aquatic Centre boasts a variety of programs suited to all ages and abilities. Our popular Learn to Swim, Squad Training and Aqua Aerobics classes ensure that you’ll make the most of your time in the water. The Aquatic Centre is also the perfect location for a Summer birthday party. Come in and see our friendly staff today.

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Internal photo of Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre pool
Aquatic Centre

Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre

Sussex Inlet Aquatic Centre is the perfect place to enjoy a swim, an aqua aerobics class or a group exercise session. There’s also our popular Swim & Survive and squad training programs on offer and an inflatable obstacle course that will keep the kids occupied for hours.

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External photo of Ulladulla Leisure Centre pool
Leisure Centre

Ulladulla Leisure Centre

Ulladulla Leisure Centre is a premium facility that has something for everyone. Take a swim in our indoor or outdoor pools, join a group fitness class, unwind in the spa pool or enjoy 24-7 access to our gymnasium.

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Village Pool

Kangaroo Valley Pool

In the heart of Kangaroo Valley, you’ll find the beloved village pool that takes in magnificent views toward Barrengarry Mountain. The neighbouring, shaded toddlers pool ensures a great day out for the family at this lovely facility.

All Council managed village pools are open for the swimming season between 4 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.

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