Every lesson is carefully structured around proven teaching methods that respect your child’s current stage in their swimming journey. We don’t rush. We don’t force. We build.
Each session begins with a warm welcome and a clear focus. One week your child might work on breath control, the next on stroke refinement. Progression feels natural because it is based on readiness, not the calendar.
Classes are intentionally small. Our instructors know each child’s strengths, hesitations, and learning style. They offer gentle encouragement when confidence wavers and supportive challenges when a child is ready to reach further.
The pool environment matters just as much as the teaching. Warm, mineral-rich water, clear sight lines, and shallow areas where young swimmers can stand and reset create a sense of security. Safety isn’t just mentioned—it’s woven into every drill, every transition, every moment in the water.
By the end of each term, you’ll notice the transformation. Not just in technique—though that improves too—but in how your child approaches the water with confidence, breathes with ease, and trusts their own abilities. That is the real measure of progress.
Building skills and confidence, one level at a time. From first splash to confident swimmer—every step matters.
Class Size: Maximum of 4
Class Duration: 30 minutes
For new swimmers, this class encourages water confidence and independent swimming. The main goals include an unassisted push and glide from the side of the pool and a relaxed back float. Safe pool entries and exits are encouraged.
Main skills achieved:
- Can safely enter and exit the water.
- Fully submerge and blow bubbles.
- Kick unassisted with floatation aid on front and on back.
- Jump into the pool from the side to teacher in deep water.
After completing this level you will move to BEGINNER 2
Class Size: Maximum of 4
Class Duration: 30 minutes
A great class for those students who are a little older (5+) but are just beginners, or those that are beginners but are already confident in the water.
Main skills achieved:
- Safe pool entries & exits.
- Fully submerge with bubbles.
- Paddle and kick with a pop-up breath.
- Float on back with no assistance.
- Jump into the pool and return to side
After completing this level you will move to Level 1
Class Size: Maximum of 4
Class Duration: 30 minutes
This class is for children who are confident in the water but have a limited swimming ability. Our aim is to begin streamlining the swimmer and developing a strong freestyle kick this is often referred to as a “torpedo”. For safety the students are taught to float on their back without assistance, and recover confidently to an upright position.
Main skills achieved:
- Can safely enter and exit deep and shallow water unassisted.
- Flutter kick with floatation aid on front and back.
- Float on back with no assistance.
- Jump into the pool and return to the side unaided.
After completing this level you will move to LEVEL 1
Class Size: Maximum of 4
Class Duration: 30 minutes
At this level, students will start freestyle arms and work on independent streamlined kicking on their back. Pop up breathing is encouraged with emphasis on body positioning and co-ordination.
Main skills achieved:
- Torpedo with a streamlined body position.
- Swim freestyle using an effective freestyle arm action.
- Swim on back unassisted and unaided with flutter kick.
- Jump into deep water, breath and swim back to the side.
After completing this level you will move to LEVEL 1 – 2
Class Size: Maximum of 4
Class Duration: 30 minutes
The students will be introduced to side breathing in freestyle and start back stroke arms. The aim here is for the student to confidently swim 10 metres continuously on front and back. The water safety component at this level will introduce the student to survival backstroke.
Main skills achieved:
- Torpedo on front and back in streamlined position for 15 metres.
- Swim freestyle with correct side breathing for 15 metres.
- Swim backstroke for 15 metres.
- Retrieve an object in deep water.
After completing this level you will move to LEVEL 2
Class Size: Maximum of 4
Class Duration: 30 minutes
The main focus here is perfecting side breathing for freestyle and the introduction of a breaststroke kick. Students will be assessed on their ability to swim 12.5-15m continuous freestyle with side breath and 12-15m continuous backstroke. Basic sculling is introduced and 25m is expected to be performed using survival backstroke.
Main skills achieved:
- Swim freestyle for 25 metres.
- Swim backstroke for 25 metres.
- Survival backstroke for 25 metres.
- Breaststroke kick on front with flotation aid for 10 metres.
After completing this level you will move to LEVEL 3
Class Size: Maximum of 5
Class Duration: 30 minutes
Further development of both freestyle and backstroke technique, with specific emphasis on arms, breathing and timing. An increase in endurance will be another goal as students aim to complete 50 metres of both freestyle and backstroke and swim breaststroke for 25 metres.
Main skills achieved:
- Swim freestyle for 50 metres.
- Swim Backstroke for 50 metres.
- Swim breast stroke for 25 metres.
- Dolphin kick for 15 metres.
After completing this level you will move to LEVEL 4
Class Size: Maximum of 5
Class Duration: 30 minutes
Significant emphasis is placed on stroke techniques. Students will also be introduced to butterfly as well as competitive starts, turns and finishes for all strokes. A minimum of 50 metres continuous freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke is expected at this Level.
Main skills achieved:
- Swim Freestyle, backstroke and breast stroke for 100 metres.
- Swim butterfly for 25 metres.
- Survival swims in clothes for 150 metres.
- Perform a streamlined dive.
After completing this level you will move to LEVEL 5 – PRE SQUAD
- Swim freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke for 200 metres.
- Perform race starts, dives and finishes.
- Swim butterfly for 50 metres.
- Continuous survival swim for 250 metres and tread water for 4 minutes.
Floating becomes easier, kicking becomes natural, breathing finds its pattern.
Proper form emerges, endurance builds, the water becomes a place of real skill.
Your child swims with power and grace, ready for whatever comes next in water.
See our swimmers discover the joy of learning.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Lessons
What is your Make up policy?
At Saltwater Swim Schools, we understand that sometimes you may not be unable to attend your scheduled lesson. If this happens, simply mark yourself away via our easy-to-use Customer Portal. From there, you’ll be able to book a make-up lesson at a time that suits you, subject to availability.
Please see our step-by-step video outlining the process below:
What is the max number of students in each lesson?
Our lesson sizes are carefully structured to ensure every swimmer receives the attention they need to thrive.
Class ratios are as follows:
- Toddler classes: 8:1 (8 swimmers/parents per teacher)
- Toddler Transition: 3:1 (3 swimmers per teacher)
- Beginner classes: 4:1 (4 swimmers per teacher)
- Level 1 – Level 2: 4:1 (4 swimmers per teacher)
- Level 3 – Level 4: 5:1 (5 swimmers per teacher)
- Pre-Squad classes: 45-minute lessons with 6–10 swimmers per teacher
Smaller class sizes allow us to closely monitor progress, tailor instruction and maximise learning outcomes.
Can I enrol at any time during the term?
Yes. Enrolments are accepted year-round. If you commence part-way through a term, fees are calculated on a pro-rata basis.
If your preferred day or time is unavailable, we are happy to place you on a waitlist and will contact you as soon as a suitable spot becomes available.
What is the School Holiday program?
Our School Holiday Swim Programs are available to both new and existing families and are designed to fast-track your child’s swimming progress in a fun, structured environment.
This accelerated learning program helps prevent skill regression during school holidays while allowing families to condense swimming lessons into a shorter timeframe — leaving more time for other activities during the school term.
Program Details:
- Daily 30-minute lessons
- Lessons held Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays)
- Ideal for maintaining and accelerating skill development
- Suitable for all swimming levels
Our holiday intensives provide consistent, daily instruction, helping children build confidence, improve technique and make noticeable progress in a short period of time.
How long and how much are classes?
All 30-minute lessons are priced equally across all levels, from toddler programs through to squad classes.
For current pricing, please refer to our Term Dates and Prices tab or contact your centre directly.
Please note:
- Family discounts apply for additional children (5% for a second enrolment, 30% for a third)
- Convenient direct debit options are also available
How do you assess my child’s progress?
Our experienced team continually monitors each swimmer’s development both in and out of the water. Regular assessments allow us to identify areas for improvement and ensure your child is progressing appropriately.
Parents can view live progress updates via the Customer Portal, providing clear insight into achievements and what is required to progress to the next level.
Here is a short clip to show you where you can view:
What happens if I need to move levels?
Level progressions are an exciting time for everyone. Our priority is to move students to a new level as quickly as we can as it is important for their development and continued improvement. We will try to implement level changes on the spot; however this can be impacted by demand, your availability and any preferences you may have with times, days or teachers.
I’m going to be away for greater than 2 weeks - what should I do?
Please email your centre with the dates you will be away. Our team will provide you with all available options to help you decide how best to manage your swimming lessons during this time.
If you are away for less than 2 weeks, you can use your term make ups.
I need to change days or times — how do I do this?
Please speak with our friendly staff during your next visit to discuss availability. If your preferred option is not currently available, we can add you to the waitlist and notify you as soon as a suitable class opens.
I’m moving — can I transfer to another Saltwater Swim School?
Yes, absolutely. We would love for you to continue swimming with us. Please speak with your current centre and our team will assist in coordinating your transfer.
How to book a makeup lesson
As a courtesy, SWSS offers 2 make-up classes per term, based on the policy (refer to policy).
How to Book a Make-Up Lesson
- Simply log into your Simply Portal app
- Click the Students Name
- Click the ‘Book Make-up” icon
- A screen will appear with all available options for the upcoming 7 days
- Select the day/time you would like to do your make-up and click ‘Book’
- Select ‘Confirm Booking’
**Please Note: Once a make up lesson is booked, it cannot be changed. Your new time is locked in.