Our FunKey Starters Program is developed for children aged between 3 and 5 years who are happy and excited to be in the water and start lessons, but who still need to gain confidence or learn how to swim independently. Our experienced teachers will guide your child, focusing on breath control, balance, submersions, floating and paddling. We are using our unique games-based boat system to assist with body position and floatation, while increasing confidence with correct body position for independent swimming. The classes have a teacher-students ratio of 1:4.
STARTERS 1
STARTERS 1 is the graduation level for swimmers who have at least completed Splashers 4, and is the start of your child’s independent learn to swim journey. Starters 1 can move through the water independently and are happy to begin the transition from Parent participation, to learning to swim with Teacher. We begin with full parent participation, then step by step gently remove parent involvement until they are no longer joining us in the class, through a seamless transition.
Children will learn to develop their rudimentary kick and paddle into a smooth swim float swim, incorporating the rollover breath. We build on the foundation skills of floating front and back, kicking, paddling, horizontal rolling and vertical turning, depth perception, plus the most important water safety skill of fall in and recovery practice.
STARTERS 2
STARTERS 2 is for you if your child is over 3 years old and new to swimming. They may be happy and confident in the water though have limited experience, or they may be a nervous starter, either to the water environment, or to the structured class environment.
Here your child’s new journey to swimming will be based on fun and love, where they will learn to be comfortable in the water and it’s difference to land, with activities to develop their breath control, balance, submersion, floating, kicking and paddling. Your child will be well on their way to independence in the water.
STARTERS 3
At STARTERS 3 children will learn to develop their rudimentary kick and paddle into a smooth swim float swim, incorporating the rollover breath. We build on the foundation skills of floating front and back, kicking, paddling, horizontal rolling and vertical turning, depth perception, plus the most important water safety skill of fall in and recovery practice.
Our focus here is to further strengthen the kick, coordinate the arm and leg movements together, and roll onto the back to breathe and float. We build to a breath hold of 5 seconds, a swim distance of 5-7 metres, the ability to fall in – turnaround – recover at the wall, and submerse to retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool.
STARTERS 4
This level is especially developed for children who show signs of distress when in the water. They are not the happy child that parents know them to be, which can be quite unsettling for both of you. These lessons focus on a strong and positive connection between the child, the parent or carer and our specially trained Teaching and Service Team. Parents and carers will be participating in the water. You will learn all about positive reinfocement interactions and activities, combined with quick and easy at home activities. You will see your child transition into a comfortable and settled swimmer, who is happy to be part of our lessons.