INDEPENDENT SWIMMERS

From 3.5 years old

ALL INDEPENDENT SWIM LEVELS ARE SKILL-BASED AND DO NOT INCLUDE PARENTS IN THE WATER

Our independent swimming programme is designed for children who swim without parents in the pool. Based on the highly effective Australian model, this approach features small classes, warm water, and teachers in the pool, ensuring each child receives personal attention. Depending on the level, each instructor oversees between 3 and 7 children.

We teach children a structured set of skills, guiding them through each level sequentially as they’re ready. Starting with Level 1 (Platypus), where children learn to put their heads under water, the programme progresses to Level 8 (Shark), where children master the butterfly stroke.

A note for parents: Each child advances at their own pace, moving to the next level only when fully ready. The aim is for children to enjoy their lessons, looking forward to each week rather than feeling pressured. Progression should be encouraging, not competitive.

Important: Swim levels for independent swimmers are skill-based, not age-based. While we have minimum age guidelines, as younger children rarely meet certain skill levels, it’s always best to choose classes based on skills rather than age.

Please note: We do not teach diving at our facility, as our pool is not deep enough.

PLATYPUS - From 3,5 year old - no parent in the water

Entry Skills:

- Minimum age: 3.5 years, beginner level.

- The child must be comfortable separating from a parent, willingly enter the water, and follow simple instructions in French or English.

- However, they are not yet able to float on their tummy or submerge their head for 5 seconds on request.

Class Information:

- Maximum children per teacher: 3.

- Class duration: 30 minutes.

PUFFERFISH - Only for children who have received a Pufferfish medal in the past.

This level is the same as sea otters but only from 3 to 4 years old and only open to children who have received this medal.

SEA OTTER - From 4 years old - No parents in the water

Entry Skills:

- Minimum age: 4 years.

- The child must be happy to be separated from parents for 30 minutes and willing to enter the water.

- Able to float on their tummy with face and ears submerged for 5 seconds when requested.

Class Information:

- Maximum children per teacher: 3.

- Class duration: 30 minutes.

CROCODILE - From 4 years old - No parents in the water

Entry Skills:

- Minimum age: 4 years.

- The child is able to swim 6 metres with their face in the water, maintaining a continuous kick without stopping or sinking.

Class Information:

- Maximum children per teacher: 4.

- Class duration: 30 minutes.

PENGUIN - From 5 years old - No parents in the water

Entry Skills:

- Minimum age: 5 years.

-Front: Able to swim 7 metres in a streamlined (rocket) position without breathing, using a strong, continuous kick.

-Back: Can swim 7 metres on their back, hands by their side, with a strong, continuous kick.

Class Information:

- Maximum children per teacher: 5.

- Class duration: 40 minutes.

Please note that this is a technical level, and it may take your child several months or even a year or more to progress.

SEAL - From 6 years old - No parents in the water

Entry Skills:

- Minimum age: 6 years.

- Must complete all previous level skills.

- Can swim 12 metres of freestyle (crawl) with straight arms, breathing on one side, maintaining a strong kick.

- Able to perform a strong, continuous kick for 10 metres on their back, with hands by their side, without sinking.

Class Information:

- Maximum children per teacher: 6.

- Class duration: 40 minutes.

Please note that this is a technical level, and it may take your child several months or even a year or more to progress.

DOLPHIN - From 7 years old - No parents in the water

Entry Skills:

- Minimum age: 7 years.

- Able to swim 20 metres of freestyle, breathing bilaterally (on both sides) with correct lateral breathing technique (rolling the head, not lifting it).

- Can swim 20 metres of backstroke with straight arms, a strong continuous kick, and no sinking.

Class Information:

- Maximum children per teacher: 7.

- Class duration: 40 minutes.

Please note that this is a technical level, and it may take your child several months or even a year or more to progress.

The following two levels are only for current Red Whale swimmers. Dolphin is the highest level for new swimmers to join.

If you believe your child qualifies for Manta Ray or Shark level, please register them in Dolphin, and we will assess their level at the pool.

MANTA RAY

Focuses on refining freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke techniques while introducing the butterfly stroke.

Entry Skills:

Can swim 40 metres of controlled freestyle with bilateral breathing every three strokes (rolling the head correctly without lifting it).
Can swim 40 metres of backstroke.
Can swim 20 metres of controlled breaststroke with correct timing.
Can perform a 10-metre dolphin kick.

SHARK

For swimmers who have completed the Manta Ray level, enjoy swimming as a sport, and wish to continue with Red Whale in a 50-minute class focused on endurance.

Entry Skills:

Can swim 100 metres of freestyle (crawl), 100 metres of backstroke, and 100 metres of breaststroke.
Can swim 20 metres of butterfly.