Squids
Welcome to Squids — our Learn to Swim pathway where children develop confident, capable swimming skills through structured lessons. Each level supports swimmers at their
stage of learning, helping
them progress towards
safe and independent
swimming.
Southern Garfish
Level 1
Southern Garfish is the first level in our mainstream Learn to Swim program, designed to build strong foundational skills for independent swimming success.
Children entering this level should be comfortable in the water without a parent, confident putting their face underwater, and able to listen and follow instructor direction. Many swimmers progress from our Blue Swimmer Crab or Tommy Ruff transition classes, though children with equivalent skills are also welcome.
With a maximum of four swimmers, this level allows for plenty of individual attention while introducing structured skill development.
The main focus is on developing a strong streamlined torpedo position and building independent back kicking with the support of a kickboard. Swimmers also work on body position, floating, and gliding to develop early propulsion and control in the water. Water safety remains a key focus as children build confidence, coordination, and independence in the pool.
Southern Garfish lays the foundations for all future stroke development and is the ideal starting point for the Learn to Swim journey.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
King George Whiting
Level 2
King George Whiting is the next step in our Learn to Swim pathway for children who are ready to begin developing recognisable stroke technique and rhythm in the water. Children entering this level should already be confident floating and gliding independently and comfortable participating in a structured lesson.
In King George Whiting, swimmers work towards swimming 5 metres on their back without a kickboard and 5 metres of freestyle arm circles on their front using a kickboard. A key focus is developing coordinated arm and leg actions, improving body position, and building rhythm and control in the water.
King George Whiting is where foundational skills begin to develop into recognisable strokes, preparing swimmers for the next stage of their swimming journey.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Gummy Shark
Level 3
Gummy Shark is designed for swimmers who are ready to develop more recognisable and sustainable freestyle and backstroke skills. Children entering this level should already be able to swim short distances with basic coordination and participate confidently in a structured lesson.
In Gummy Shark, swimmers work towards swimming 5 metres of freestyle and 5 metres of backstroke using a kickboard. Assessment focuses on developing early side breathing in freestyle, improving backstroke timing and body alignment, and building confidence over greater distances.
Water safety remains an important focus, with children learning how to recognise and respond to basic aquatic emergency situations in an age-appropriate way.
Gummy Shark provides the foundation for consistent, independent swimming and prepares children for the next stage of stroke development.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Snapper
Level 4
Snapper is a technique-focused level designed to strengthen freestyle and backstroke while introducing important water safety and survival skills.
Children entering this level should already be able to swim short distances independently and participate confidently in a structured lesson.
In Snapper, swimmers work towards swimming 7 metres of freestyle and 7 metres of backstroke independently without a kickboard. Assessment focuses on correct technique, including a relaxed head position and side breathing in freestyle, along with coordinated backstroke arm action. Swimmers also begin building stamina over longer distances.
Alongside stroke development, children are introduced to key survival skills such as treading water and underwater movement through obstacles, helping them become more capable and confident in the water.
Snapper builds strong foundations for efficient swimming and lifelong water confidence.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Yellowfin Tuna
Level 5
Yellowfin Tuna is an intermediate Learn to Swim level where technique becomes more refined, structured, and efficient. Children entering this level should already be able to swim short distances of freestyle and backstroke independently and be ready to focus on improving control, coordination, and endurance.
In Yellowfin Tuna, swimmers work towards 9 metres of bent-elbow freestyle and 9 metres of backstroke, along with 9 metres of breaststroke kick only. Key skill development includes introducing dolphin kick, streamlined entries, and survival backstroke, all delivered in a safe and structured environment.
This level builds stronger propulsion, improved body position, and greater water confidence, supporting swimmers as they progress toward more advanced stroke execution.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Harlequin Fish
Level 6
Harlequin Fish is an advanced Learn to Swim level focused on building endurance, refining technique, and developing stronger stroke consistency. Children entering this level should already be able to swim freestyle and backstroke over short to moderate distances with control and be ready to build stamina and efficiency across multiple strokes.
In Harlequin Fish, swimmers work towards 16 metres of freestyle and backstroke, and 16 metres of full breaststroke with improved timing and coordination. Key skills include tumble turns, streamlined push starts, and continued refinement of stroke efficiency across all movements.
Swimmers also develop water safety and endurance through a 48 metre (3 lap) survival stroke swim, building confidence and resilience in continuous swimming.
Harlequin Fish bridges the gap between stroke development and more advanced training environments, preparing swimmers for higher-level technical progression.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Western Blue Groper
Level 7
Western Blue Groper is an advanced Learn to Swim level focused on stroke refinement, endurance, and preparing swimmers for more competitive pathways. Children entering this level should already be able to swim multiple lengths of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke with confidence and consistency, and be ready to refine efficiency and technique.
In Western Blue Groper, swimmers work towards 48 metres (3 laps) of freestyle and backstroke with tumble turns, and 48 metres of breaststroke with correct pullout timing and technique. Swimmers are also introduced to foundational butterfly up to 16 metres, developing rhythm and coordination.
Water safety and rescue skills are reinforced through reach and throw rescues, building confidence and responsibility in aquatic environments.
Western Blue Groper is the final step in our core Learn to Swim pathway before progression into squad or performance-based training.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Southern Eagle Ray
Level 8
Southern Eagle Ray is our highest Learn to Swim level for confident swimmers ready to refine technique, build endurance, and prepare for squad or lifelong fitness swimming. Children entering this level should already be able to swim multiple laps of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke with strong technique and control.
In Southern Eagle Ray, swimmers work towards 96 metres of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke with correct turns and starts, alongside 48 metres of butterfly with developing efficiency and coordination. A key milestone is completing a 400 metre continuous swim, demonstrating endurance, pacing, and strong technique across all strokes.
Water safety and self-rescue skills are reinforced to ensure confidence and competence in all aquatic environments.
Southern Eagle Ray is the final stage of our Learn to Swim pathway, preparing swimmers for squad programs or lifelong swimming for fitness and enjoyment.
Max 4 Students
40 Minute Class
$28 per class
Still not sure what level?
Use our handy Level Finder Tool to work out the best enrolment for your little squid!
