Aquatots Swim School Canberra

Welcome to

Aquatots

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Who we are

A local family owned and operated swim school established in 2002. Aquatots was developed with the intention to assist in lowering the drowning statistics in Australia.

We achieve this by fostering and encouraging a lifelong love and respect for the aquatic environment from an early age. We teach children to swim and survive in a fun, engaging and inclusive environment.


The dedicated and highly qualified team at Aquatots truly care about being a consistent support person for the children in their classes. Holding relevant and required qualifications, our dedicated team of instructors do their best to be there each week of the term.

At Aquatots, our program is designed to develop the whole child- mentally and physically, through carefully structured, play based learning in the water.

Beyond teaching the vital swimming and water safety skills, our lessons nurture confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being by providing a safe and supportive environment where children can explore, take risks, and celebrate success.

Our program not only provides a quick learning path to being safer in and around water but ensures every child grows not just as a swimmer but as a well rounded individual ready to thrive both in and out of the water. 


Award winning programs for babies from 6 weeks to squad level swimming. Our qualified team lead the way.

Learn More

Swimming for Life

Qualified instructors teach life-saving skills through a unique, award-winning program. It includes adult swimming lessons in Canberra, with proven results.

Here's what "water safety" actually means: Your 3-year-old falls in a pool. Can they turn around, grab the edge, and call for help? That's lesson one. Everything else builds from there. We teach swimming as a life skill, not just a sport.

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Sands of Time

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Beyond Boundaries

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Enrol Your Child Today

Babies

Infant Aquatic Program

Australia's first aquatic program for infants from 6 weeks of age, starting with  Aquabubbas. We build strong, healthy, happy babies using the benefits of an aquatic environment.


We are here to support parents and children alike throughout their journey, with an understanding that the first experience can be overwhelming for both. Our qualified, friendly team is here to help guide them.


Building the foundations of what will become swim strokes later in their journey. We're working hard on becoming safer in and around the aquatic environment by teaching life saving skills.

Pre-School

Children aged 3 to 5 years

The Aquatots preschool program is for kids with little or no water experience. It also helps those learning the technical skills for all four strokes. Children in the pre school program are placed in classes according to their swimming ability.

This is where you become part of the cheer squad on the sidelines, working together with our deck team to support your child while their instructor leads the class. Rest assured, we are trained to ensure that everyone feels safe in the water.


If your child isn’t quite ready to separate, we also offer a hybrid class for 3–5 year olds where the Sea Horse program is taught with a parent or guardian in the water. Every child is different, and it doesn’t matter which path your little one takes - as long as they are becoming safer in and around the water.

Babies

Infant Aquatic Program

Australia's first aquatic program for infants from 6 weeks of age, starting with Aquabubbas. We build strong, healthy, happy babies using the benefits of an aquatic environment.

Program Details

Pre-School

Children aged 3 to 5 years

The Aquatots pre school program caters for children who have little to no water experience through to children that are learning the technical side of all four strokes. Children in the pre school program are placed in classes according to their swimming ability.

Program Details

School Aged

Children in the school age beginner to intermediate programs are placed according to their swimming ability and are learning floatation, propulsive skills and basic breathing patterns for all four strokes

Program Details

Advanced

The school aged advanced program is for children who can propel through the water using basic strokes and are ready to learn the technical side of all four strokes in preparation for Squads.

Program Details

School Aged

Times have changed and many 8 year olds are unable to swim to save themselves.

At Aquatots we group children by ability, not age, but we are mindful about not embarrassing anyone.

Starting a learn to swim journey later in life can be hard for children if your child is starting in level 1 or 2.

We recommend 2 lessons per week until level 3 for a quicker progression to being safer in and around water.


Honest Timeline with 1 class per week for a Dolphin 1: 2-3 terms for a swim 5 metres unassisted, slower if fearful.

Advanced

The Aquatots Advanced program is for school-aged children who already move well in the water using intermediate to technical strokes.

Here, we refine technique across all four strokes, focusing on breathing, efficiency, and stamina.

Sharks is the final level of our learn to swim program. On graduation, children will gain skills equivalent to a Royal Life Saving Bronze Star award.

If your child is interested in moving forward into squad-level swimming, the next step is Squad Prep, where we prepare them for progression into our Squad groups.

Hear From Our Happy Customers

Aquatots News

Water Aerobics Good for Weight Loss

Water Aerobics Good for Weight Loss

September 4, 2025
Water aerobics is good for weight loss, offering a low-impact way to burn calories, tone muscles, and improve fitness without stressing your joints.

Why Experts Warn Against Throwing Baby in Pool

By Alena Sarri • August 22, 2025
Throwing baby in pool may look viral, but experts warn it’s unsafe. Learn the real risks and safer swim lesson alternatives for infants.
7 Simple Dryland Exercises For Strong Swimming

7 Simple Dryland Exercises for Strong Swimming

By Callum Gracie • August 11, 2025
Build power, stability, and flexibility with these 7 dryland exercises for strong swimming. Boost speed, endurance, and technique in the pool.