From Infant Aquatics to Pre-Squad: Understanding Our Swim Program Levels

Admin 28 May 2025

At Starfish Swim School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy and essential life skill of swimming. Our carefully structured swim program levels for children are designed to foster a lifelong love of the water, building confidence and competence at every stage. From gentle introductions in our infant aquatics program to preparing young swimmers for competitive swimming in our pre-squad swim program benefits, we provide a supportive and engaging environment led by our dedicated certified swim instructors for kids. If you're searching for the best swim school for kids or the best swim school for toddlers, look no further. Let's take a deep dive into understanding swim lesson levels at Starfish Swim School and explore the exciting journey your child will embark on.

Laying the Foundation: Infant Aquatics Program (Typically 6 Months - 3 Years)

Our infant aquatics program is a wonderful way to introduce your little one to the water in a safe and nurturing setting. Accompanied by a parent or caregiver, babies and toddlers will:

  • Develop Water Acclimation: Through songs, games, and gentle movements, children become comfortable with the water's feel and learn basic water safety skills.
  • Build Water Confidence: We focus on creating positive experiences, reducing any potential anxieties, and fostering a sense of security in the aquatic environment.
  • Enhance Sensory Exploration: Water provides a unique sensory experience, aiding in your child's overall development.
  • Strengthen Parent-Child Bonds: These classes offer a special opportunity for bonding and shared enjoyment.

This crucial first step lays the groundwork for a positive and successful learn to swim journey.

Building Core Skills: Learn to Swim Levels (Typically 3+ years)

Children progress from our infant program or begin their aquatic adventure with us; they move through our carefully designed learn to swim levels. These stages focus on developing fundamental swimming skills and water safety knowledge:

  • Level 1: Water Discovery and Exploration: Children learn basic water safety rules, how to enter and exit the water safely, blow bubbles, and submerge their faces. They begin to explore buoyancy and movement in the water with assistance.
  • Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills: Swimmers develop independent floating and gliding skills on their front and back. They learn basic kicking and arm movements with support, building towards independent propulsion.
  • Level 3: Stroke Development: This level introduces the foundational elements of freestyle and backstroke. Children learn proper kicking techniques, arm strokes, and rhythmic breathing, increasing their independence and distance.
  • Level 4: Stroke Improvement: Swimmers refine their freestyle and backstroke technique, focusing on efficiency, coordination, and building endurance. They are also introduced to breaststroke and butterfly kicks.
  • Level 5: Stroke Refinement and Introduction to Turns: Focus shifts to further refining all four competitive strokes, learning proper turns and dives, and increasing stamina for longer distances.

 

Throughout these levels, our certified swim instructors for kids provide personalized attention and positive reinforcement and ensure a fun and engaging learning experience. Many parents find our structured approach makes us the best swim school for kids in the area.

Personalized Learning: Private Swim Lessons

For children who may benefit from individualised attention or have specific learning needs, private swim lessons are also available at Starfish Swim School. These one-on-one sessions allow our instructors to tailor the curriculum and pace to the child's unique abilities and goals, accelerating their progress in learning to swim.

Preparing for the Next Wave: Pre-Squad Swim Program Benefits

Our pre-squad swim program benefits children who have mastered the fundamental strokes and are showing an interest in competitive swimming. This program bridges the gap between learn-to-swim lessons and a full swim team environment. Participants will:

  • Refine Stroke Technique: Focus on advanced stroke mechanics, efficiency, and power in all four competitive strokes.
  • Develop Endurance: Build stamina through longer swims and interval training.
  • Learn Competitive Skills: Introduction to starts, turns, and racing strategies.
  • Foster Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Learn the values of collaboration and healthy competition.

 

This program provides a supportive and challenging environment for young swimmers to further develop their skills and passion for the sport, making Starfish Swim School swim programs a fantastic choice for aspiring athletes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right swim program levels for children is crucial for their success and enjoyment in the water. At Starfish Swim School, our carefully designed progression, led by dedicated certified swim instructors for kids, ensures a positive and effective learn to swim experience for every child, from their first splash in our infant aquatics program all the way to the exciting challenges of our pre-squad swim program benefits. We are committed to being the best swim school for kids and the best swim school for toddlers, fostering a lifelong love of swimming and water safety. Join the Starfish Swim School family and watch your child dive into confidence!