Finding The Best Learn To Swim Classes For Your Child

  • Parents Only

Learning to swim can save your child’s life. Learning to do it well leads to a lifetime love of the water. But how do you tell the difference between great and average swimming lessons?

Carlile Swimming pioneered teaching babies in Australia, opened Sydney’s first indoor learn-to-swim centre and has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading swim schools.

Below are some questions to ask your potential swim school, based on Carlile’s 65 years leading the industry.

  • Are your teachers well-trained and accredited? Your teacher should be accredited by a nationally recognised organisation such as Swim Australia.
  • What is your child protection code of conduct? Your swim school should be able to provide you with their child protection policy and ensure the right practices are always followed.
  • Do you use flotation aides, such as bubbles and floaties? Tragically in Australia, 84% of drownings among children aged 0-4 are caused by falling into the water. If your child falls into water, the chances are they will not be wearing a flotation aid.
  • How many students are in a class? The numbers should vary. Learning to swim requires more individual attention than stroke correction. A teacher’s ability to keep children engaged is just as important as the teacher-to-child ratio.
  • When is the best time to start? As soon as possible! Babies can start as young as three months. These classes are done with a parent in the water.
  • Why is good technique important? Swimming with an efficient technique means a child can swim longer without tiring. Good technique can save a life.
  • Will my child be in a level for a set period of time? Children should always be promoted as soon as they are ready to confidently move up.
  • How far will my child swim? Further is NOT necessarily better. Shorter distances, with more opportunities for stroke correction and less chance to lose concentration or tire, develops better swimmers.
  • When will my child have learned to swim? If your child can comfortably swim 400 metres of freestyle with good, efficient technique and a balance of other strokes, then they can swim well.
  • What are the benefits of starting swimming early? A four-year research study by Australia’s Griffith University found children who attended regular swimming lessons improved their physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills. The 3 to 5 years old’s in the study were:
    • 11 months ahead in verbal skills
    • 6 months ahead in mathematic skills
    • 2 months ahead in literacy skills
    • 17 months ahead in story recall
    • 20 months ahead in understanding directions

It’s little wonder Carlile believes “to swim well is an asset for life.” You can see more about their approach below.

There are nine Carlile Swimming centres across Sydney, if you’d like to book your child into lessons contact the centre that suits you! 

Castle Cove - 9538 7703
Caringbah - 7501 5099
Carlingford - 9538 7701
Cherrybrook - 9538 7704
Cromer - 8415 8633
Five Dock - 9538 7705
Freshwater - 9538 7706
Killarney Heights - 9538 7700
Lane Cove West - 9538 7707
Norwest (Baulkham Hills) - 9659 7665
Ryde - 9538 7709

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