We Believe Calm Children Learn Better and Stay Safer
Aquatots is more than a swim school. We're a dedicated water safety education provider, focused on building safe, confident children through gentle, evidence-based learning.
We teach swimming as a life skill. Every lesson is designed to strengthen confidence, develop real safety skills, and help children feel calm and capable in the water.
Founded in 2002 by Alena Sarri, Aquatots has proudly supported Canberra families for over 20 years. We’ve been recognised at state and national levels for our community impact, workplace culture, and leadership in water safety advocacy.
Confidence is the First Safety Skill
In an industry often focused on speed and milestones, we take a different path. We believe emotional readiness comes first. When a child feels safe and supported, confidence follows, and real learning begins.
That’s why our programs follow developmental pacing, not arbitrary timelines. We don’t just teach children to swim. We teach them to be calm, capable, and confident in the water.
From our gentle assessments to our extended instructor training and clear parent communication, this philosophy shapes everything we do.
Meet the Family Behind Aquatots
Alena Sarri
Managing Director
Daniel Sarri
Managing Director
Debbie Sarri
Director
What Makes Aquatots the Safer Choice?
Structural Integrity
Safety is embedded in every lesson
While many programs isolate survival skills into occasional “safety weeks,” we integrate safety and survival responses consistently. This builds instinctive understanding, not memorised performance.
Extended Instructor Training
Our instructors are trained beyond industry baseline requirements
All team members complete extended internal training that includes behavioural standards, communication frameworks, and developmental awareness. This ensures your child receives a consistent, supportive experience in every lesson.
Emotional Readiness Focus
We assess emotional readiness, not just physical skill
Children progress at different paces. Our instructors are trained to recognise and respond to emotional cues, ensuring no child is rushed or overwhelmed. We always prioritise long-term confidence over short-term milestones.
Research-Informed Approach
Our programs are informed by evidence, not assumption
Aquatots has contributed original research into drowning prevention and actively participates in national water safety conversations. We believe education providers carry a responsibility to evolve alongside research and best practice.
Continuity of Consequence
We are accountable to the same community year after year
Many of our instructors learned to swim with us as children. Former students now enrol their own children. Operating within a single local market for over two decades means our standards must remain consistent.
A 20-Year Commitment to Canberra’s Children
Alena Sarri founded Aquatots in 2002 and has been at the heart of it ever since. She's not a behind-the-scenes executive – she's still in the pool, teaching, training instructors, and shaping the program firsthand.
With over 20 years working directly with Canberra families, Alena knows what truly keeps kids safe in the water. She's also led original research into drowning prevention and advocates for higher standards across the industry.
Her belief is simple:
every child deserves to be safe in and around water.
We Believe in Transparency About Our Approach
To help you decide whether Aquatots is the right fit, it’s important to understand what we don’t do.
We don’t promise outcomes or timelines.
Every child develops differently. Emotional readiness and safety take precedence over speed.
We don’t use pressure-based enrolment tactics.
We provide clear information and respect your time to decide.
We don’t rush progression.
Our instructors make conservative, child-specific decisions grounded in professional judgement.
We don’t isolate safety to 'safety weeks.'
Safety and survival responses are integrated into every lesson.
If you are looking for guaranteed timelines or accelerated milestones, Aquatots may not be the right fit.
If you value professional standards, calm instruction, and long-term capability, we would be honoured to support your family.
Recognised for Accountability and Community Service
Our commitment to quality, safety, and community has been recognised by our peers and industry bodies. These awards reflect external scrutiny and the trust of our families.
Working to Create a Drowning-Free Nation
Our responsibility extends beyond weekly lessons.
In partnership with national experts, Aquatots produced the
Swim Safety and Access Gap Index — a comprehensive analysis of drowning risk and access to water safety education across Australia.
This research has informed national water safety advocacy and broader conversations about how communities can better protect children.
We believe education providers should contribute knowledge, not just deliver services.
By sharing insights and advocating for improved access, we aim to support a future where every child is safe in and around water.
Your Questions Answered
How is Aquatots different from other swim schools?
Aquatots is a child water-safety education provider, not a recreational program.
We prioritise emotional readiness, embed safety into every lesson, and operate with extended instructor training standards beyond industry baseline requirements.
Why don’t you promise outcomes or timelines?
Because development isn’t linear.
Every child progresses differently, and emotional readiness is as important as physical skill. We prioritise long-term safety over accelerated milestones.
How do I know my child is progressing?
We track progress against structured benchmarks aligned with national standards.
You’ll receive clear updates about what your child is learning and why it matters.
What training do your instructors receive?
All instructors meet industry certification requirements and complete extended Aquatots training in behavioural standards, communication, and developmental pacing to ensure consistency and safety.
Is the founder still involved?
Yes.
Aquatots was founded in 2002 and remains hands-on in program design, instructor training, and quality oversight. Our standards are shaped by over two decades of direct experience.
What does 'evidence-informed' mean?
It means our programs are shaped by research and evolving best practice.
We’ve contributed original research into drowning prevention and actively engage in national water safety conversations.
What if my child is nervous?
Hesitation is normal.
Our instructors are trained to read emotional cues and adapt accordingly. We never rush or pressure a child into progression they’re not ready for.
Join a Community Trusted for Over 20 Years
Aquatots has remained part of Canberra’s community because families value consistency, professional judgement, and child-first standards.
We invite you to learn more about our approach and discover whether it aligns with your family’s priorities.
