Preschool – Little Steps, Big Confidence!
Growing independence, one splash at a time!
Moving into independent swimming lessons is an exciting milestone, but we understand that every child approaches this step differently.
At Swim City, we take a gentle, playful approach to learning. Our instructors build trust through familiar activities, games and encouragement, helping children feel comfortable and confident as they develop essential swimming and water safety skills.
For children who need a little extra reassurance, we welcome parents into the water to provide support while our instructors gradually encourage independence. Whether it's starting with toys at the side of the pool or celebrating that first confident splash, every achievement matters.
Because confident little swimmers begin with feeling safe, supported and ready to learn!
| Lesson length: | 25 minutes |
|---|---|
| Class size: | 4 children |
| Price: | $18 per lesson |
| Available at: | Huia Pool + Fitness and Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness |
Finding the Right Starting Point
Our Preschool programme welcomes children from 3½ years of age, with Crab as the entry level for those beginning their independent swimming journey.
Children progress through the Preschool levels as their confidence and swimming skills develop.
If your child has previous swimming experience, our instructors can assess their skills to help find the most suitable starting level.
Every child develops at their own pace, and we're here to support them along the way.
Crab - Mahuka
Little steps, big achievements! Crab is the beginning of your child's independent swimming journey, where building trust and confidence comes first. Through songs, games and gentle encouragement, our instructors help children feel comfortable in the water while introducing safe entry and exit, supported water movement and going underwater when they're ready. Every small achievement is celebrated as children grow in confidence and begin developing their independence in the water.
Starfish - Tangaroa
Growing confidence, discovering independence! Starfish builds on the foundations developed in Crab, encouraging children to become more comfortable and independent in the water. Through playful activities and gentle encouragement, children practise safe entry and exit, correct front and back starting positions, independent front floating and supported back floating. Our instructors celebrate each achievement as children develop greater confidence, balance and body awareness in the water.
Squid - Kahea
From floating to gliding – making waves! Squid is an exciting stage where children begin turning their floating skills into purposeful movement through the water. Our instructors introduce streamlined front and back body positions, encouraging children to glide with confidence while developing independent front kicking and supported back kicking. Through fun activities and encouragement, little swimmers continue building the balance, coordination and confidence needed for their next swimming adventure.
Clownfish - Clownfish
Little swimmers, big progress! Clownfish builds on the skills developed in Squid, encouraging children to combine their kicking, paddling and streamlined body positions to move more confidently through the water. Through engaging activities, children work towards swimming short distances of 5 metres while developing greater coordination, independence and water safety awareness. Our instructors continue to encourage and celebrate each achievement as swimming skills begin to come together.
Salmon - Hamene
Stronger swimmers, bigger adventures! Salmon builds on the skills developed in Clownfish, encouraging children to swim greater distances with confidence and independence. Through fun, engaging activities, children strengthen their streamlined front and back kicking over 7 metres while introducing basic freestyle and backstroke arm movements. Our instructors focus on developing coordination, technique and water safety awareness, helping little swimmers prepare for the exciting transition into our School Age programme.
