Learn to Swim Program

H²O Swimming Works is committed to providing your child with the highest quality learn to swim program within a friendly and supportive environment.  We offer group lessons as well as privates, that allow all swimmers irrespective of age to progress through our structured, progressive program.

As pioneers and innovators within the industry, we believe our smaller class sizes; longer class times, a curriculuim that has continuously evolved from over 30 years within the industry, and ongoing teacher training, produces skilled swimmers with outstanding technique.

Our responsibility is to teach children great technique from the outset and to foster a love of the water so swimming and aquatics can become an enjoyable and injury free pastime, potentially, for the rest of their lives. Our experience in the coaching industry has highlighted the dangers manifest in poor technique which can cause injury over time.  While doctors often recommend taking up swimming for health, it should be stressed that swimming well is good for health.  Swimming badly may simply exacerbate joint problems and previous injuries.  For example swimming with the head too high or turning the head at an awkward angle to breathe, over time, may cause muscle imbalances in the neck that can refer pain into shoulders, along with upper thoracic problems.

Our program differs to many others in the attention we pay to the details. Because of this we have 45 minute lessons rather than 30 minute lessons, and we keep our children in lessons for longer, to ensure that their stokes are well-formed before they go into a squad situation.

H²O Swimming Works provides Learn to Swim lessons for persons over the age of four, and for all ages and abilities. We run a Term Program and a Holiday Intensive at some venues, with a choice of either group or private lessons. We have 2 locations in and around Stonnington and now in Geelong.  They are:

1. The Lauriston Girls' School pool which is a 25 metre, 6 lane, indoor heated pool. Entry is through the carpark in Mercer Road, Armadale.  Session times run from Saturday 1pm to 4.30pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
2. The Swim Studio at 38 Grant Street in East Malvern.  This is a warm, outdoor 20 metre, state of the art lap pool where we offer mostly private lessons year round, as well as small groups and holiday intensives.  This venue is ideal for adult swimmers wanting to learn or improve stroke technique and skills, and well as for younger, confident beginners who can at least submerge.  The water is maintained at a comfortable 28 to 30 degrees year round.    As well as day time classes Monday to Friday, after school lessons are available on most days, along with Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm.  Since this is in a residential area, conditions apply.
3. Geelong Grammar School's Handbury Center for Well Being at 50 Biddlecombe Avenue, Corio.  This is a 10 lane indoor 25m pool with a 15m teaching platform. In Term 1 2012 we will be offering Tuesday 4pm to 7pm;  Thursday 4pm to 7pm and Saturday from 1pm onward.  To see a virtual tour of this facility please cut and paste the following into your browser.  You will need Adobe Flash Player      http://www.ggs.vic.edu.au/Virtual-Tour.aspx

All our teachers have a minimum qualification of the nationally recognised accreditation courses run by Austswim or Swim Australia. They are required to have a current CPR certificate and Working With Children's Check. Many teachers have additional qualifications that include:

• Bachelor of Education
• Pool Lifeguard
• Bronze Medallion
• First Aid Level 2
• Surf Bronze
• Sports Trainer
• Green, Bronze or Silver Licence Coach and
• Level 1M (Masters) Coach

Teachers are regularly trained to ensure continuity between teachers, and that the latest quality technique and teaching methods are being used.

We have 7 Learn to Swim Levels and classes vary between 30 - 60 minutes depending on age and ability.  Class sizes vary between 3 per teacher upon entry, up to 6 in our higher levels. Entry is subject to availability.  As our progam places a great emphasis on skill and technical proficiency, we sometimes find that swimmers entering our program from elsewhere may be strong or fit, but may not have the necessary competencies or skills to fit straight into a group.  We may recommend a few private lessons to 'fast track' these competencies and therefore, placement in our program is usually subject to a free assessment.  

The program must be paid for in advance before the first lesson, and a $25.00 cancellation fee will apply for withdrawal after a class has been confirmed. There are no deductions for missed lessons, but swimmers are entitled to makeup a total of 2 missed lessons which must be taken either during the current term. They will not be carried over into the following term and are not transferable.

Term 1, 2012

LAURISTON

Term 1, 2012 begins on Saturday the 4th of February for Saturday swimmers, and Sunday the 5th of February for Sunday swimmers.  The term ends on Saturday the 24th of March and Sunday the 25th of March respectively and is a 7 week term.  There are NO lessons on Public holidays so Saturday March 10th is cancelled for the Labour Day long weekend.

GEELONG

Term 1 2012 begins on Tuesday 31st January (9 weeks); Thursday 2nd February (9 weeks) or Saturday 4th February (8 weeks). There are NO lessons on Public holidays so Saturday March 10th is cancelled for the Labour Day long weekend. Please click here for location map and car parking, and here for more information on the Centre itself.  Brochures and APplication Forms are available at the pool or you can download the brochure here and the application form here.

Private Lessons

Private lessons generally run for 30 minutes but 45 minute and 60 minute lessons can also be booked at any of our venues.  Private one-on-one lessons are available at any of our venues where space and time permits.  These are especially helpful for children who are easily distracted, have specific needs or need 'fast tracking to get their skills in line to fit in with our levels, particularly if they come from another program.

Adult Learn to Swim

Fearful adults and adults wanting specific stroke technique or correction also benefit from private lessons.

The Swim Studio is the ideal venue for learners, but just ask, as we can arrange lessons from our other venues.  If you have a group of friends who wish to learn together this is also possible subject to availability.  If you wish to learn in your own home pool please ask as this is possible subject to teacher availability.

We have a group class for novices who eventually wish to join a training group or simply want to improve technique at Prahran Aquatic Center at 8.30am on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, year round which is a cheaper option.