Building Confident Swimmers Starts at Home
Here you’ll find expert tips from the team at Australia Swim School — with simple ways to build water confidence at home. Follow along for helpful advice, ideas, and updates to support your swimmer’s journey.
Pinned - Article 8
Our Goal - Confident Swimmers For Life
Low Stress Approach • Pool Ready • Ocean Ready
Our goal is to empower children and adults to enjoy the water the world has to offer
We want our swimmers to feel confident in any swimming pool or ocean — not just during lessons, but throughout their lives.
Our Low Stress Approach means we teach calmly, positively, and without pressure. When swimmers feel relaxed and supported, they learn faster and enjoy the water more deeply.
Here are the two milestones that matter most in our journey.
POOL READY
A swimmer becomes Pool Ready when they complete our Stroke Basics stage and can swim 25m backstroke independently.
This milestone shows your child can:
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stay calm in deep water in any swimming pool
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swim safely without assistance
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control their breathing
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enjoy holiday and hotel pools with real confidence
It’s the point where many parents finally feel comfortable letting their child enjoy water more independently and with less supervision.
OCEAN READY
After completing Four Strokes and finishing our 1KM Gold Medal Swim, swimmers become Ocean Ready.
(Our next 1KM Gold Medal Swim will be held in January 2026.)
This means they have:
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strong endurance
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full stroke technique
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calm, controlled breathing
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the confidence to enjoy beaches, resorts, and ocean holidays safely
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the ability to handle new water environments with composure
Ocean Ready is our term for swimmers who have developed the strength, endurance, and confidence to enjoy beaches and ocean holidays safely — even if they haven’t swum in open water yet.
Heading Into the Holidays
As families travel, these milestones become even more meaningful.
A Pool Ready or Ocean Ready swimmer:
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enjoys pools and beaches more
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feels confident trying new water environments
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stays calmer and safer
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gives parents greater peace of mind while on holidays
Want to Know Where Your Child Sits?
Ask your Deck Supervisor — they’ll show you exactly where your swimmer is on our Learn to Swim Journey.
And if you don’t swim with us yet, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute assessment so we can check your child’s level and confidence in the water.
Once a swimmer can tread water for 2 minutes and swim 25 metres backstroke like our awesome swimmer in this video, we consider them Pool Ready.
Article 7
When Group Lessons Are the Best Choice for Your Child
When parents first consider swimming lessons, it’s natural to wonder if a private class would help their child progress faster, or if a group class is better suited to their growth during their Learn to Swim Journey. The truth is, nearly all kids actually thrive in a group setting — and here’s why.
1. Learning from peers
All children learn in different ways. Every swimmer benefits from as much practice as possible, but some really excel when they learn by watching others. Children love learning from watching their friends — when one swimmer masters a skill, others often follow quickly, often faster than if a teacher had explained it twice. In our group classes, many kids love to be the first one to try — and when they do, it gives them a little pump-up that inspires the rest of the group to join in with even more energy. It’s a bit like a game of dominoes — once the first swimmer gives it a go, the excitement and confidence ripple through the whole group.
2. Building confidence together
Being surrounded by classmates at the same level creates a sense of “we’re in this together.” That shared experience takes away pressure and replaces it with encouragement.
3. Social skills & teamwork
Group lessons aren’t just about swimming — they help kids make friends, develop communication, and learn to take turns. These skills matter in and out of the pool. Think of it like a team sport — the swimming skills are important, but the teamwork and friendships they build are just as valuable.
4. Fostering healthy competition
A little friendly competition keeps swimmers motivated. Kids naturally push themselves when they see their peers achieving goals.
5. The joy of steady progress
At Australia Swim School, we know kids don’t need to learn everything in one lesson. The most important thing is that they love their swimming so much they want to keep coming back. Group lessons make swimming even more fun and keep kids excited to return week after week, until they build the skills to become confident swimmers for life.
At Australia Swim School, we’ve seen time and again that group lessons build not only strong swimmers, but also confident, social, and resilient children.
For our families
If you currently swim with us, be sure to ask your deck supervisor if you have any questions about what’s next in your Learn to Swim Journey.
Article 6
Why Breath Control Comes First in Learning to Swim
And some little bath time tips for home - awesome video below
If you’ve ever watched one of our lessons at Australia Swim School, you might have noticed something curious: every class begins the same way — with blowing bubbles.
To some, it might look simple. But to us, it’s one of the most important skills a swimmer will ever learn.
Breath regulation is the very first step in swimming
Before a swimmer can float, kick, or take a stroke, they need to feel calm and in control of their breath.
That’s why we start every lesson with breath regulation activities — from bubbles to rhythmic breathing to eventually learning when to inhale when taking a breath and when and how to exhale underwater.
When swimmers learn to manage their breathing, something powerful happens:
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Their bodies relax.
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Their movements become smoother.
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And they begin to feel safe — even in deep water.
We often say that “a calm swimmer is a safe swimmer.”
And calmness starts with breathing.
What if your child doesn’t like water on their face? That’s completely normal.
We work with many Vietnamese families whose children feel uncomfortable putting their faces in the water — and that’s okay. In fact, it’s incredibly common.
Why?
Because many kids simply haven’t had enough water familiarisation during their early developmental years.
If a child isn’t used to the feeling of water on their eyes or nose, of course they’ll feel unsure at first. It’s a new and unfamiliar sensation.
What you can do at home to help
Whether your child is a baby or already starting lessons, you can support their confidence with some fun, gentle activities at home:
Sound on: Our teacher Phi is practicing pours and bubbles with his little boy, Hobie.
For babies and toddlers: Use bath or shower time to introduce water to their face. Use a cue system: say “1… 2… 3…” and gently pour water over the back of their head and shoulders.
As they become comfortable, gradually let a little water trickle over their face.
Like Phi in this video, keep your tone happy and encouraging — and don’t force it.
For older kids:
Make showers playful: let them pour water on you first, then on themselves. Use a small bucket or cup to slowly introduce water to the back, shoulders, and finally a light splash over the eyes. Afterwards, encourage them to “blink blink” the water away — it’s a small but empowering action that builds confidence.
This kind of practice helps children become more relaxed and ready when it’s time to blow bubbles and submerge during lessons.
The goal isn’t to rush them — it’s to gently build comfort and familiarity.A strong foundation makes all the difference.
So next time you see your swimmer practicing bubbles at the start of class, remember: they’re not just playing.
They’re learning how to regulate their body, stay calm under pressure, and build the courage to take the next step. At Australia Swim School, we take each of those steps carefully — and we’re here to guide your swimmer's on their pathway to become strong and confident swimmers for life.
See you at the pool,
Evan Koch
Article 5
It’s Not Just About the Flip Turn
We love seeing progress — but not just the big wins. What we really notice (and cheer for) are the little wins that happen along the way.
That’s because the big wins don’t happen every day — and if we want kids to stay engaged and keep trying their best, we’ve got to celebrate the small wins too. Those little moments are what keep confidence growing and give kids the motivation to turn up every week.
We reward effort — when a swimmer is really trying hard, even if they don’t get it right straight away.
We praise patience and resilience — when a swimmer listens, takes feedback, and gives it another go. We see the courage it takes to try something new, like jumping in without holding hands for the first time. And we definitely notice when someone listens carefully and applies what they’ve learned.
Progress doesn’t always mean swimming perfectly. Sometimes it's when a swimmer has put their face in the water for the very first time. Sometimes it means keeping legs long for the first time during kicking on their back. Sometimes it’s the first time a swimmer gets some nice pointed toes while kicking. These little wins are big — and they deserve just as much praise.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just rewarding great swimming, we’re rewarding great behaviour. Kids of all ages are smarter than we think — and they really pick up on it.
They know when someone is paying attention and spending the time to build a great relationship with them. When the praise they receive is real, swimmers keep trying their best. And that’s when the best results start showing up, too.
Look out for our Ozzie Effort callouts being rewarded for the best effort this weekend at the pool!
Evan Koch
Thanh Thao, one of our awesome Champion level swimmers is seen here demonstrating a great flip turn.
Article 4
Using Bathtime to Build Water Confidence for Babies
At Australia Swim School, we know that building confident swimmers for life starts at home.
Bathtime is one of the easiest ways to support your baby’s learn to swim journey.
It’s a safe, relaxed space where your little one can begin to have fun with water and feel at ease with building the early skills that make a massive difference later on.
Here are some simple things you can try at home:
1. “1, 2, Threeeee” Pouring on Three
Use a small cup to gently pour water over your baby’s head. Always count “1… 2… 3…” so they begin to link the words with what’s coming next. This helps reduce surprise, builds trust, and over time, babies begin to close their eyes and hold their breath — a natural reflex that starts to fade after the first few months.
2. Laying Backwards
Before we begin to float, we can prepare our babies by getting familiar with laying backwards. Try resting your baby’s head on your chest or shoulder in the bath and slowly leaning back together. This helps them feel supported, calm, and safe in that position — and it’s a great first step before floating on their own.
3. Floating on the Back
Once your baby is more comfortable laying back, you can try supporting them gently under the head and shoulders as they float on their back. Some babies take to this quickly, others take time. Talk or sing softly while they float — it helps them relax and associate the position with comfort.
4. Ears in the Water
A lot of babies feel unsure when their ears touch the water for the first time. You can start with just one ear for a second, then the other, then both ears for a moment, and build from there. Go slowly and gently — remember, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) push through any signs of stress.
5. Follow Their Lead
Let your baby enjoy and be curious with water, and always go at their pace. Some days they'll love it. Other days, not so much — and that’s totally normal. Just keep the experience calm and positive. And of course, always supervise your baby closely, even in the bath.
See you at the pool,
Evan Koch
Managing Director, Australia Swim School
If you’d like to reach out for a free trial babies lesson with us be sure to get in touch and we'll help you get started. And if you didn’t know — babies aged 4 and 5 months swim for free. Let’s keep building confident swimmers for life — one small splash at a time.
Article 3
It's Never Too Late
One of my favourite stories from our time teaching swimming here in Vietnam came from a slightly more serious and skeptical individual who decided to give our lessons a go.
He had originally come along just to support his Vietnamese girlfriend at the time (now his wife), who had joined our adults learn-to-swim program.
He stood by the pool, arms crossed, not quite convinced about the whole thing.
That individual was… my Dad.
At 67, he had spent most of his life doing a bit of casual breaststroke, but his goal was now to learn freestyle. He wasn’t totally sure about the structure of our program or whether our 30 minute, consistent lessons would really make a difference. But he gave it a go.
Week after week, things started to change. Slowly but surely, his body position improved, he got the hang of breathing to the side, and freestyle stopped feeling so foreign.
It didn’t all click overnight — but after six months of consistent lessons, followed by another year of practising on his own, he could swim 500 metres of freestyle comfortably. I still remind him to breathe to both sides to help with his neck and back, but otherwise, he’s a completely different man in the water. Now he's swimming 1KM Freestyle in his pool at 70 years old.
More importantly, he became a believer in the process — and maybe even a bit less skeptical in general.
For us, his story is a reminder that there’s no “too late” when it comes to swimming. Some of the most rewarding journeys we’ve seen have come from adults who simply decided to start.
If you’ve ever thought about learning to swim, we’re here. And this July and August, we’re offering free trial lessons for all adults to celebrate the launch of Australia Swim School. No pressure, no expectations — just an open invitation to give it a try.
I’m really grateful I had the chance to learn to swim from such a young age — and I have my Mum and this guy here to thank for that. I spent a few years swimming twice a week at Laurie Lawrence Swim School (founded by the legendary Olympic coach), and honestly, I didn't enjoy it at the time. The classes just weren’t fun like they are at swimming schools these days.
Those early lessons gave me the skills to feel safe and capable around water — whether at the pool or the ocean — and looking back, I’m so glad I had that foundation. That appreciation has only grown since working in the learn to swim industry, where we get to watch babies, kids, and adults grow into confident, capable swimmers. It’s been a real privilege to be part of so many families’ Learn to Swim journeys over the years.
Thanks for reading,
Evan Koch
Managing Director, Australia Swim School
Exciting News: We’re re-launching our Adults Learn to Swim Program — with more flexibility, more class times, and a fun, supportive atmosphere just for adults.
Starting next week, we’ll be opening additional weekday evening sessions that are Adults Only, making it easier and more comfortable for both beginners and experienced swimmers to join our Learn to Swim family. Keep an eye out — our new schedule will be released next week!
How long does it take to learn how to swim?
Article 2
The truth behind one of the most important (and misunderstood) questions in our industry
At Australia Swim School, one of the most common questions we hear from parents is:
“How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?”
It’s a fair question — but one that’s often misunderstood.
Why This Question Matters So Much
We’re so excited to be welcoming a new generation of parents who truly prioritise swimming as a life skill for their children. Many parents who come to us never had the chance to learn when they were young — and so they are always curious about how long it will take to reach their goals.
In a country with a long coastline, countless rivers and lakes, and growing access to travel and leisure, more and more families are discovering the importance of learning how to swim for their little ones.
Families want more than just water play. They want their children to feel confident and safe in any water — whether it’s a hotel pool, a lake, or the ocean. Even more inspiring, we’re seeing many adults begin learning to swim for the first time, often motivated by their own children.
Like Learning a Language
Learning to swim is a lot like learning a language.
Some kids pick it up quickly. Others take longer. And no one becomes fluent overnight. The same goes for the water — building confidence, coordination, and skill takes time, and every child learns at their own pace.
I started swimming as a young child in Queensland, Australia — with two lessons a week at Laurie Lawrence Swim School. I didn’t swim all the time after that, but the foundation stayed with me. Later on, when I wanted to learn to surf and enjoy the beach, everything came back. Swimming opened up so many parts of life for me — and I realised I’d truly gained a skill for life.
But How Long Does It Take?
Swimming isn’t just a sport or a skill — it’s a life skill.
And how long it takes depends on what you want for your child:
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Basic pool safety:
While there are many kids who can become independently strong enough to enjoy a swimming pool quite quickly, others — especially those who are new to swimming, nervous, or haven’t had much exposure to water — may take longer. And that’s not unusual or something that should deter families from continuing their swimming lessons.
What matters most is helping each child feel safe, supported, and happy in the water — so they’re not discouraged along the way.
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Ocean safety:
At Australia Swim School, our benchmark for ocean readiness is the ability to swim 1 kilometre continuously and tread water for 10 minutes without panic. These skills show that a swimmer not only has endurance, but also the composure to handle deeper, moving water.
We’ve had some of our 7- and 8-year-olds here in Vietnam complete a full 1KM swim — a powerful reminder that even young children are capable of incredible things when supported with confidence and the right teaching.
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Becoming strong at all four competitive strokes:
For families who want their child to develop long-term strength, technique, and fitness in the water, the journey continues through freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. It takes time — but the result is a lifelong confidence, ability, and love for swimming.
It Also Depends on Your Child’s Background
Every child is different. And there are many factors that can influence their swimming progress:
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Have they had a negative experience in the water?
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Do they seem tense, anxious, or hesitant in the pool?
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Have they had limited exposure to swimming?
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Do their parents feel nervous in the water too?
These are all valid and common. In fact, we meet swimmers like this every single day.
That’s why our program is designed to meet each swimmer where they’re at — and help them grow from there.
Why Starting Early Makes a Big Difference
The earlier a child begins swimming, the better.
Early water familiarisation helps children feel relaxed and comfortable in the water from a young age.
Once their physical coordination catches up with a swimmer’s confidence developed through having formal swimming lessons at a young age — usually around ages 5 to 6 — they tend to progress much faster.
That early exposure lays the foundation for stronger, more successful swimmers later on.
A Quick Note on Stress
Scroll down to read our first article on how fear affects learning — and how we manage stress in small steps to build real confidence.
Our Promise to Parents
At Australia Swim School, we don’t make promises like “your child will swim in 10 lessons.”
Instead, we make this promise:
“We’ll help your child learn to love the water, and grow into a confident, safe, and strong swimmer.”
And the most beautiful thing we see again and again is this:
Once kids start swimming with us… they fall in love with it.
Many go further than their parents ever imagined — even completing their 1KM swim and becoming truly confident swimmers for life.
Key Takeaways
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There’s no fixed timeline for learning to swim — every child progresses at their own pace.
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Swimming is a life skill, much like learning a language: it takes time, exposure, and encouragement.
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Early lessons build long-term confidence, especially when started before ages 5–6.
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Our benchmark for ocean safety is a 1KM swim and 10 minutes treading water calmly.
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Even young swimmers (ages 7–8) have reached this milestone when nurtured with support and trust.
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Progress isn't about speed — it’s about creating capable, confident swimmers for life.
Thanks for reading,
Evan Koch
Managing Director, Australia Swim School
How to Build Water Confidence — One Small Step at a Time
At Australia Swim School, we’re not just teaching kids how to swim — we’re helping families build confident swimmers for life. To celebrate the launch of our new name and fresh new look, we’ll be sharing some of our teaching philosophies — plus simple tips that parents can try at home.
Because swimming isn’t just something that happens once a week — it’s a journey that families can be part of, too. Building water confidence is a teaching skill — and it’s something we’re the experts at.
It’s not easy to master overnight. But it is something families can begin to practice, especially by recognising signs of stress and knowing when to slow down.
What Most Families Get Wrong in Vietnam
One of the biggest mistakes we see is when parents try to push through stress, or fear. Your child might be crying, clinging tightly, tensing up, or refusing to put their face in the water — and many parents think they just need to keep trying or be more firm.
But when a child is scared or stressed, learning stops.
That’s why our teaching approach is built on one simple idea:
“Manage stress in small steps.”
We only move forward when the swimmer is calm, happy, and ready. No rush. No pressure. Once a swimmer is confident, then learning begins and happens at a much faster rate.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
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Keep water time fun and playful with songs or toys
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Let your child lead — even just splashing or pouring water on themselves is great
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Stay in shallow water, or even just play on the edge
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Focus on comfort and effort, not skills
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Always finish on a positive note — not after a struggle
Confidence doesn’t happen in one day. But when our parents and teachers work together to respond gently to stress — real progress begins.
Let us know if you have any questions about our philosophy on teaching. We're super excited to continue to help our families build confident swimmers for life.
About the Author
Evan is the Managing Director of Australia Swim School and has been helping kids learn to swim in Vietnam for over 7 years. He’s passionate about making swimming fun and achievable — and loves sharing tips to help parents support their child’s progress at home.
