Stars Swimming School prescribes to Swimming South Africa’s methods of teaching toddlers how to swim and confidently participate in any activity associated with an indoor/outdoor body of water.
Toddlers Pre-Beginners Swimming Lessons
Suitable for: 2 and 3 year olds
Swimming South Africa’s method is directed at enhancing water safety for toddlers aged 24 months through to 48 months in a fun, encouraging, non-forceful (patient) learning space aimed at building the toddlers confidence within an aquatic environment.
Our Pre-Beginner swimming lesson is a 20-minute play orientated micro-group lesson (maximum two swimmers in the group lesson, but typically one), with special focus on toddler water safety and comfort in the water.
Toddlers will learn basic water safety skills through play and will participate in bubbles blowing song singing, floating and other fun activities.
20 Minutes |
A 20 minute intensive play-orientated lesson with maximum 2 toddlers in a class together with their swimming Instructor. |
24 months to 48 months |
Toddlers aged 24 months to 48 months. Parents are not required to be in the water with their toddlers. |
For Toddlers |
Built specifically for Toddlers who have little or no experience of being in the water. |
Building Blocks |
Toddlers learn the basic foundations of water safety and start building good habits all while having fun. |
Formal Instruction |
This might be the first time some swimmers take on any form of formal instruction. |
Twice Weekly |
The more time little ones spend learning a skill, the quicker they develop.
We recommend twice a week for Beginners Swimming Lesson Classes, but once per week would also be suitable. |
Best suited for: Little swimmers aged between 2 and 3 years old, who need to be water safe, and have little or no water skills. Toddlers possibly might not be able to speak yet, but should be able to take on some basic instruction through demonstration and play.
Pre-Beginners Focus
Learning swimming skills and building confidence in the water through focused, constructive play.
Key Skills Taught
- Self-supportive pool entering and exit techniques
- Breathing Techniques
- Floating and buoyancy exploration techniques
- Travelling in water
- Submerging
- Motor Skill
- Social Skills
- Submerging
Lesson Outcomes
- Achieving a level of comfort in the water which encourages constructive play.
- Achieve a level of water safety which enables swimmers to assist themselves in water.
- Take on basic instruction and have an understanding of their purpose at swimming lessons.
Please Note: Swimming Lessons do NOT constitute drown-proofing or survival swimming, and cannot guarantee swimmers will be water-safe.
Beginner swimmers (both children and adults) should always be supervised when in and around water.
At Stars Swimming School, we understand that each swimmer learns at their own unique pace.
We may at times strongly encourage learners, but we’ll never force swimmers to undertake any activity or exercise they are not comfortable with, but at the same time, swimming requires that we overcome our fears and explore our capabilities.
What do I need for Lessons?
Our standard equipment requirement applies for this lesson:
For Baby / Toddler:
- NB!! Waterproof Swimming Nappies are compulsory for toddlers
- We stock swimming nappies at our swim store, otherwise swimming nappies are available at most popular retailers and larger pharmacy chains
- Swimming cap is compulsory
- No mask required for babies and toddlers when in the water
General:
- Remember to bring your towel and
- warm clothing for after the lesson
- No feeding at least 1 hour before lessons
- We suggest a snack as soon as possible after lessons to replenish energy.
Please change in the changerooms and not on the pool deck.
Meet our Pre-Beginners Swimming Lesson Instructors
When can I start with my swimming lessons?
We’d love for you to start swimming as soon as possible, but you will need to first complete our Swimmer Registration Pack including Signup Form and Indemnity Form, and schedule your swimming lessons with our office, then you’ll be ready to start.
Do you offer trial lessons?
We do not offer trial lessons as our Instructors invest time into each individual swimmer’s lesson plan and outcomes, but we do have a satisfaction guarantee, and you are welcome to pay after your first lesson.
Is a parent required to get into the water with their child for Pre-Beginner lessons?
No it’s not necessary, actually discouraged that parents join in for our Pre-Beginners lesson.
Our Pre-Beginners lesson is an intimate micro group based lesson, and your toddler will need you close by for both support and to join in with singsong, but only from the pool deck.
What happens if my child cries before/during their lesson?
Children crying (for whatever reason) is a normal reaction.
Don’t take this as a discouraging sign as each individual learns at their own pace, and when ready. We have the benefit of a group swimming lesson structure where children can learn from eachother, along with experienced instructors.
Most of the time children who are upset before or during lessons can see through peers demonstrating fun and play that they have nothing to worry about.
How much are the swimming lesson fees?
TodSwim is a comprehensive 12-lesson, 6-week course.
Please request an up-to-date swimming lesson pricelist on our contact page, or by using the form below.
When will I know my child is "water safe"?
There is no set formula for achieving water safety; in fact water will always pose a physical danger, even for the strongest swimmers. The best thing one can do is to achieve a level of comfort when in water so that you are able to support yourself for a period of time. At Stars Swimming School we place a large emphasis on floating techniques to achieve this level of water comfort.
How many swimmers are in one group lesson?
Swimmers are limited to a maximum of 2 per lesson in the small pool.
We’ve found these class sizes offer maximum learning opportunity for swimmers through peer demonstration and rest time.
We do however try spread swimming lesson bookings evenly so that class sizes are limited.
We take health and safety recommendations and restrictions (e.g. Covid Protocols) seriously, and adhere strictly to all protocols.
How will you know which level of swimming my child is best suited for?
Our admin staff will recommend a lesson type based on your swimming experience and quoted abilities, and during your first lesson our instructors will gauge if you are a good fit for the recommended lesson type.
If there is a mismatch, we would reschedule lessons to a swimming lesson type which suit your abilities.
What happens if I cannot make a lesson, or miss lesson?
Please let our office know at least 24 hours before the time if you and your toddler cannot make a lesson, for whatever reason.
Please DO NOT bring sick or ill children to swimming lessons.
If one lesson is missed, a make-up lesson can be arranged with another TodSwim group within that week. Lessons can also be made up at the end of the TodSwim course, upon recommendation from the Instructor.
If your toddler is absent for three (3) consecutive Foundation Phase or Follow-up lessons, and/or four (4) lessons overall during either of the courses, for whatever reason, they will have to stop lessons, forfeit the remainder of the TodSwim course, and start again from scratch when ready.
Can I bring a camera or underwater camera to take photos?
Due to privacy and safety concerns, cameras (including mobile phone camera usage) are prohibited from the pool area. If you would like a picture taken of your toddler in the water, we may endeavor to arrange an appropriate photo opportunity.
