Pre-School

Building a Foundation of

Confidence for a Lifetime of Safety

Our Pre-School program places your child at the heart of everything we do. We foster their natural affinity for water while equipping them with essential water confidence and foundational swimming skills in a fun, supportive environment.

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A Confident, Engaging, and Skill-Focused Swimming Journey

Our Pre-School program is designed to nurture your child’s confidence and water skills in a structured, small-group setting. Lessons are 30 minutes long and thoughtfully paced to maximise learning, enjoyment, and skill development. Children learn both water safety habits and foundational swimming techniques in a way that respects their individuality and learning style.

Small, Supportive

Groups

Children swim in small groups with peers of similar ability, helping build social confidence and comfort in the water.

Developmentally Appropriate Skill Building

 Through imaginative play, games, and songs, your child will learn breath control, buoyancy, and propulsion, progressing through all four strokes at their pace.

Confidence

& Independence

As children grow more secure in the water, lessons focus on swimming independently without a parent or guardian — building confidence and essential safety skills.

The Aquatots pre school program places your child at the heart of everything we do. We foster their natural affinity for water while equipping them with skills that could prove vital throughout their life.


Your child will thrive in small groups alongside peers who share similar swimming abilities. Our thoughtfully designed pool areas ensure every precious minute of the 30 minute session is spent learning and growing. Small group learning offers great benefits beyond swimming. Kids build communication skills, learn to share, and enjoy taking turns with new friends.


At Aquatots, we believe in teaching children to trust their own buoyancy. This natural ability is exactly what they'll need should they ever face an unexpected water situation. When children learn to swim in deeper water from the start, they develop an unshakeable confidence. This travels with them wherever they swim.


Every child brings their own unique personality and learning style to the pool, and we celebrate these differences. Our preschool program covers all four strokes at every level. This way, each child can progress at their own pace. The Aquatots approach helps you find out how your child learns best. Then, it supports their water journey using methods that match their unique strengths.

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Sea Horses 1

Ages 3 to 5 years

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  • Sea Horse 1 welcomes children aged 3 to 5 years who are just beginning their swimming adventure.

    At this exciting stage, we help them find their natural buoyancy. We do this through imaginative play, fun toys, delightful games, and familiar songs. Your child will learn to hold their breath underwater. This skill is key for floating confidently.


    Children in Sea Horse 1 swim independently without a parent or guardian in the water during these engaging 30 minute classes.


    Children graduate from this level when they start kindergarten or can glide front and back correctly. They should also show proper head and body positioning, along with a jump and twist back to the wall.

Sea Horses 2

Ages 3 to 5 years

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  • Sea Horse 2 builds on the solid foundation of children who've mastered natural buoyancy both front and back.

    Now comes the exciting part: learning to move through water with purpose. The Aquatots program develops propulsion through effective kicking techniques and underwater pulling movements. We teach all four strokes. Kids who do well in Breaststroke and Butterfly often need help with Freestyle and Backstroke. This comprehensive approach ensures every type of swimmer advances confidently. Basic breathing patterns also become part of their growing skill set.


    Children in Sea Horse 2 swim on their own for 30 minutes. No parent or guardian is in the water during these sessions.


    • To graduate from Sea Horse 2, children must:
    • Show good front propulsive technique.
    • Roll smoothly to their back while breathing correctly.
    • Keep moving on their back.
    • Perform basic survival backstroke.




Sea Horses 3

Ages 3 to 5 years

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  • Sea Horse 3 swimmers have mastered basic breathing techniques.

    They can swim confidently on their front and back. This level marks an exciting transition into learning proper stroke techniques. We continue teaching all four strokes to support every swimming style. Practice occurs with brief, focused laps that avoid fatigue and guarantee quality movements each time. Reducing tiredness helps children learn faster. This way, their muscles remember the right techniques naturally.


    Sea Horse 3 children swim independently without a parent or guardian in the water throughout these focused 30 minute classes.


    Children graduate from Sea Horse 3 when they can:


    • Show basic arm strokes for front and back.
    • Coordinate their breathing with each stroke.
    • Synchronize arms and legs to glide smoothly.
    • Jump and perform a self-rescue onto their back.

Sea Horses 4

Ages 3 to 5 years

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  • Sea Horse 4 celebrates our most accomplished pre school swimmers.

    These confident kids can already swim basic strokes. Now, they’re ready to improve their technique in all four styles. This level introduces the finer points of swimming, including side breathing and precise timing for each stroke.


    Sea Horse 4 swimmers swim alone in the water. They don't have a parent or guardian with them during these 30-minute advanced sessions.


    Graduation from Sea Horse 4 happens when children start Kindergarten. By then, they have mastered all four strokes taught at this level.

Is Our Pre-School Program

Right for Your Child?

This program is ideal for:

  • Parents who want their 3–5-year-old to build strong water confidence and foundational skills before school age.


  • Families who value small-group learning and a supportive environment.


  • Children ready to swim independently without a parent in the water.

This program may not be the right fit for:

  • Families looking for a high-pressure, performance-only approach.


  • Children not yet ready to separate from a parent in water (we’ll guide you to the right starting point first).

Aquatots Sea Horses Programs

Your Questions Answered

  • What age should my child start?

    Our Pre-School program is designed for children aged 3–5 years, with placement based on water confidence and ability.

  • What if my child isn’t confident yet?

    That’s okay! We meet each child where they are and support them gently toward independence in the water. We also offer hybrid classes where a parent can be in the water for extra support if needed.

  • How long are the lessons?

    Each lesson is 30 minutes, giving children ample time to focus, play, and learn without overwhelm.

  • What do I need to bring?

    Bring your child’s goggles, swimwear, towel, and any preferred swim accessories. Masks/snorkels may be used at appropriate stages.

Give Your Child the Gift

of a Lifetime of Water Safety

Take the next step in your child’s water confidence and swimming journey. Contact our friendly team to learn more about our Pre-School program or to book a gentle assessment. We can’t wait to support your child in the water!

Aquatots News

Children in swimsuits sit on the edge of a pool, looking at the water, smiling.

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By Alena Sarri • February 13, 2026
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