.jpg)
For kids aged three and up, our Learn to Swim program features five progressive stages, each with its own underwater Australian theme and led by fun, Aussie animal coaches.
Below, you'll find everything you need to know about our Kids Stages. We love celebrating progress — and one of the ways we do that is with aquatic-themed certificates awarded each time a swimmer reaches a new level. Take a look at a few examples below!
KIDS STAGES
Foundations
Our Foundations Stage is where children begin learning the core building blocks of swimming. This stage focuses on essential skills like breath regulation, floating and kicking on the back, a strong and beautiful flutter kick, and doggy paddle.
We know from experience that a swimmer must first develop these fundamental skills before we can introduce arms for freestyle and backstroke. This approach leads to stronger, more confident swimmers who are ready to progress safely and successfully into our Basic Strokes stage.
Lessons are small, focused, and fun — with our teachers guiding each child at their own pace. We place a strong emphasis on developing correct movement patterns early, building the strength and coordination needed for future strokes.
Each swimmer receives a certificate at the end of their level — celebrating key progress in body position, independence, and control in the water.
(Take a sneak peek at our Level 3 certificate.)
Teacher - Swimmer Ratio
1 Teacher - 3 Swimmers - for Level 1 - 2
1 Teacher - 4 Swimmers - for Level 3-4
A sample certificate awarded to a swimmer for achieving their Level 3. All certificates have an underwater theme with a new aquatic animal.
Stroke Basics
By the time swimmers reach this stage, they are pool ready and confident in deep water. Our Stroke Basics Stage is where real swimming technique begins — combining the skills they’ve already mastered with new movements to build the foundation of freestyle and backstroke.
Swimmers learn to coordinate their arms and legs with timing and control. Each element of the stroke is taught step-by-step, helping children develop strong body position, consistent kicking, and efficient arm recovery — all while staying relaxed in the water.
By the end of this stage, swimmers have fluent arm and leg coordination in freestyle and backstroke, and can swim one full length of backstroke. Swimmers are ready to begin learning how to breathe to the side while practicing freestyle in our next stage .
Lessons remain fun and focused, with our teachers supporting every swimmer’s progress in a structured and encouraging environment.
At the end of the level, swimmers receive a certificate — celebrating their technique, independence, and readiness for full-stroke development.
Teacher - Swimmer Ratio
1 Teacher - 4 Swimmers - for Level 5
1 Teacher - 5 Swimmers - for Level 6
A Sea Lions, Level 5 certificate awarded to our swimmers who become independent and pool ready
Freestyle
With strong foundations in place, swimmers in our Freestyle Stage move through the water with confidence and power. This is where technique really starts to take shape — with a focus on refining freestyle skills, improving timing, and learning how to breathe to the side smoothly and efficiently.
Our experienced teachers guide swimmers through our freestyle teaching secrets — breaking down each part of the stroke to build speed, control, and consistency. We also begin introducing breaststroke, starting with a basic, wide-knee breaststroke kick and glide.
As part of this stage, swimmers increase their distance and stamina, preparing for our Wahoo Endurance swims in the next stage. The goal is not just better technique, but more control over the body during longer swims.
Confidence stays at the heart of every lesson, with fun and encouragement built into every activity.
By the end of this stage, swimmers are strong freestyle swimmers with developing stamina, capable of performing a correct breaststroke kick, and well-prepared for the challenge of learning all four competitive strokes.
Teacher - Swimmer Ratio
1 Teacher - 5 Swimmers - for Level 7 & 8
1 Teacher - 6 Swimmers - for Level 9
The most colourful fish in our collection of certificates, the Parot Fish! Awarded to our swimmers when they achieve the skills required for Level 7.
Become Ocean Ready
Make 1KM Freestyle Your Goal
Four Strokes
In our Four Strokes Stage, swimmers work towards mastering all four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. With a strong technique base already in place, this stage focuses on refining stroke efficiency, improving timing, and developing the strength and endurance needed for Wahoo endurance swims.
Swimmers are introduced to butterfly kick and arm coordination, while continuing to improve their freestyle breathing, backstroke timing, and breaststroke rhythm. Lessons remain structured and supportive, with experienced teachers guiding each swimmer through more advanced skills in a fun, motivating environment.
A key milestone in this stage is the 1KM Wahoo Endurance swim — a real test of stamina, confidence, and pacing. By the end of the stage, swimmers can perform all four strokes with control and purpose, setting them up for success in any pool or open water setting.
Swimmers leave this stage not just stroke-ready, but ocean ready — equipped with the confidence, strength, and skills to enjoy the water at a whole new level!
Teacher - Swimmer Ratio
1 Teacher - 6 Swimmers - for Level 10 & 11
1 Teacher - Up to 13 Swimmers - for Level 12
Our Level 12 certificate, Whale Sharks marks the end of our Stage 5, where swimmers are now "ocean ready" for real world aquatic activities.
Champions
In our Champions Stage, swimmers fine-tune all four competitive strokes, improve their technique and conditioning, and build the stamina needed to tackle real-world challenges — both in and out of the pool.
Lessons include sprint sets, distance pacing, turns, and racing techniques designed to make our Champions faster — all delivered with a continued focus on fun, growth, and encouragement. Swimmers also complete endurance goals, including a 3KM continuous swim.
This stage prepares swimmers not just for competition, but for a lifetime of confidence and adventure in the water.
Selected swimmers also have the opportunity to be sponsored by Australia Swim School Thao Dien to represent our team at regional and national events — showcasing their commitment, skill, and love of swimming on a larger stage.
By the end of this stage, swimmers are strong, skilled, and resilient — ready to take on any aquatic challenge with confidence, and carry their swimming success into life beyond lessons.
Our Champions certificates take on a more serious tone, reflecting the incredible achievement of reaching the final stage of our program.
